Boys golf ended on a positive note this season, sending junior Campbell Wagener down state, as well as four others to sectionals. However, there were a lot of obstacles leading up to playoffs which put a strain on the odds that someone would advance.

“I had a bad stretch right before the playoffs started and it didn’t look like I would even get a spot to play, but my coach had faith in me,” Wagener said. “I just trusted myself and got the job done.”

Wagener, along with juniors Tejas Baichwal,  Peter Barbato, Jacob Lipman and senior Jack Skidmore, all exceeded expectations at sectionals. Both Barbato and Wagener ended up shooting a 77 and qualified to go to a playoff, where they competed against each other as well as a third player from Lyons High School for the two spots to state. Barbato and Wagener both ended up making bogey and had to compete against each other for the last spot. Wagener ended up winning in a very intense and close match. 

“Going up against Peter in the playoff was something I never would have wished to happen,” Wagener said. “Fighting for one spot against a best friend is something no one wants to do. It was tough to celebrate knowing I had just knocked out a teammate and friend.”

Despite the bittersweet ending to sectionals, Wagener ended up tying for 88th place at state. The placement may not have been what Wagener was aiming for but it didn’t take away from his hard work and dedication. 

“I think it was a great learning experience as a junior and next year the nerves shouldn’t be there,” Wagener said. 

Nerves were a common issue amongst the team this season, but  despite the stress, the team was able to support each other in order to end the season with a bang. 

“I thought advancing five players to sectionals was a great moment,” Skidmore said. “Also I think we have developed a good culture where we work hard and still have a fun time.”