PITTSBURG — The Iola High golf team teed off in Pittsburg Tuesday.
Juniors Xander Sellman and Chris Holloway led the pack while freshmen Brennen Coffield and Baron Folk represented the team’s younger side of the slate. The split between veterans and newcomers is providing a nice learning experience for the team.
Iola took seventh place as a team with a score of 367.
“I am pretty happy with our results today,” Iola head coach Jeremy Sellman said. “The greens were fast and slick and made putting treacherous. The team did a really good job of managing the course today.”
Carthage won first place as a team, followed by Independence, Pittsburg, Coffeyville, Chanute and Fort Scott.
Holloway led Iola with a total of 87 shots through the 18 holes, good for 13th place.
“Chris was dialed in today off the tee,” said Sellman. “He played smart and kept his tee shots in the fairways, setting him up for good approaches to the green.”
Sellman tied with his teammate Holloway, who shot an 87 and tied for 13th place.
“Xander was playing great but had a couple of mishaps with his chipping today,” Sellman said. “If he cleans that up he’ll have a real chance of being in the top five today.”
Coffield came in 18th place and stroked an 89.
“Brennen was really struggling early in the round judging the line and speed on his putts,” Sellman explained. “He was working hard and pushing himself to keep pace with his group. He made some great adjustments and turned it around on the back nine. He’s just going to keep learning and improving as the season continues.”
Folk placed 39th with a total of 104.
“Baron was playing phenomenally early and then he made some mistakes that cost him,” Sellman said. “Baron is learning fast and is doing what is asked and is a great addition to our team this year. Having him compete at the varsity level is pushing him and it showed today.”
Iola picks the clubs back up at Anderson County next Monday at 2 p.m.
