WINFIELD — Iola’s Brennen Coffield came in 19th place overall, taking a top-20 medal for his performance at the Class 4A state meet in Winfield Monday and Tuesday.
Coffield shot an 83 on day one and an 82 on day two. He finished with a total score of 165, 21 strokes above par.
“Being there with him throughout both of his rounds, his maturity really became evident to me,” Iola head coach Jeremy Sellman said. “He thought about his shot and what he wanted to do, discussed it with me and executed his plan. I’m amazed at his level of commitment to his game and the time he took to prepare for the state championship.”
Coffield, a freshman, was helped out on the course by his teammates who came to support him. Juniors Xander Sellman and Chris Holloway acted as Coffield’s personal caddies. Holloway took notes of every shot and Sellman helped make putting and chipping adjustments.
The Mustang’s iron drives and putting kept him in the field for another day. Coffield initially had trouble with his driver and swinging off the tee but was able to recover later on.
“Both days Brennen’s ability to strike great approach shots and his ability to scramble kept him in contention,” said Sellman. “His iron play and his putting is what really kept him in it. I know he felt the pressure of the moment and wanted to perform at a high level. I just kept reminding him to play his game and trust in the process.” 
Sellman said Coffield began the second day of play stiffly — the effect of a two-day tournament in addition to two practice rounds.
The freshman eventually loosened up and hit six pars in a row.
“Making day two is really a big deal for a freshman,” Sellman said. “Not too many keep their composure and focus long enough to reach that accomplishment. He was tight Tuesday but I finally got him to relax and loosen up and his game play improved. Brennen hit remarkable recovery shots and put himself in position to save par. He just kept grinding.”
“Brennen is a great kid with a great attitude,” said Sellman. “His future is bright and I am really blessed to have the privilege to coach him. After his finish today he’s probably going to be one of the top five sophomores in 4A golf for next year. A feat to be proud of for sure.”
Top individual/team finishes
Anderson Helmer of Towanda-Circle claimed a first place finish after shooting a 149, followed by Remi Baldock of Tonganoxie in second place and Grant McAtee of Pratt in third place. Wamego took first place overall as a team, 639, while Independence took second at 641.
Bishop Miege High took a third place finish after combining to shoot a 642.
