Ryan Sellman?s future in golf took a twist when Allen Community College decided to end its golf program.
Before Sellman?s senior golf season started, he committed to ACC?s golf program. Halfway through the season, he called ACC to confirm his intentions and make the commitment official by putting pen to paper. Little did Sellman know, the program was being discontinued.
?I felt a shock,? Sellman said. ?I took it personally, but things happen in this world. You have to leave events like that in the past and continue forward.?
Despite ACC?s extinct golf program, Sellman didn?t let it affect his play. The Humboldt Cub capped off his senior year finishing third at state, putting his medal count at 28 in 33 attempts.
?It felt great!? Sellman exclaimed. ?I looked over at my dad and he had a huge smile on his face, but I felt like I had only done OK. I thought that I was going to be in the top five, but never in the top three. My goal was for a 75 or lower, but I shot a 72. It ended up being the best tournament I had in all four years of high school. It felt great to end my career at Humboldt with that tournament.?
The medals and success didn?t fall from trees. Although naturally talented, Sellman admits his game required an enormous investment of time. During the off-season, he worked on his craft at least three days a week. During the season, it was a grind, with Sellman putting in far more than was required. In addition to the hours on the course, Sellman worked to improve his long game by strengthing his core.
On top of the pressure he put on himself, Sellman admits he felt an obligation to uphold a family tradition. In 2011, Sellman?s father, Steve Sellman, had the goal for both of his sons to make state every year. His oldest son, Robbie, accomplished half of that goal from 2012 through 2015, and Sellman completed the other half between 2016-2019.
Although Sellman had success throughout his career with four state appearances to show for it, he struggled with the mental aspect of the sport.
?If you don?t have a great hole with a bogey or double-bogey, you always have to focus on the next shot, which isn?t an easy thing to do,? Steve Sellman said.
According to Ryan Sellman, tackling the mental side of golf is what got him over the hump and led him to a third-place finish his senior year at state. In order to improve, a competitive drive is a must in every successful athlete. Sellman?s favorite aspect of golf is striving to improve with every stroke, and the uniqueness of golf not being a team sport.
?I love competing,? Sellman said. ?It is you against everybody else, and most sports don?t have that aspect.?
Sellman needs the mental strength and competitive drive more than ever now that golf is no longer a part of his daily routine. This summer, Sellman has worked at Monarch Cement as summer help, restricting his time on the course to one day each week.
?It feels weird because my body isn?t used to golf anymore? Sellman said. ?Whenever I go out on the course, I try to keep doing what I did during the season, but my play isn?t where I want it to be.?
Although Sellman had opportunities to further his golf career at Independence and Coffeyville junior colleges, he settled on sticking with ACC for his freshman year. Focusing on school is a choice Sellman?s father respects.
?My dad was fine with my decision,? Sellman said. ?Honestly, he thinks that I?m going to miss golf and play next year. Also he wants me to focus on my studies more than golf, because an education will take you further in life.?
