Wayne City High School participated in its first regional golf meet on October 1, marking the end of the school’s golf season. This was the first year the school had a golf team since Nate Caudle, the last golfer to represent Wayne City, did the sport individually, with his last season completed in the fall of 2016, and student-athletes had the opportunity to compete and gain experience throughout the season. Freshman Meyer Harris said, “Getting the opportunity to play it’s something new for our school and for me, so being part of that is really cool.” As a newly formed team, some students felt inexperienced or did not know what the season would hold as a competitive school sport. Junior Landis Musgrave said, “It was my first year, but I worked very hard to get to where I am now. It was a challenge going up against competitors from other schools who were better and had more experience, but I learned a lot.”

The regional meet provided players with exposure to a higher level of competition and served as the conclusion to a season focused on learning the fundamentals of the sport. For many team members, it was their first time participating in a school golf program, with practices and matches helping them to build skills and gain familiarity with tournament play.

Some players wished for more playing time. The team formed late into the season, and rainy weather impacted some dates on the calendar. Freshman Lucas Loker said, “Although it was short, I wish it would have lasted longer. But it was a great experience, and I am glad I joined.”

Wayne City High School has now completed its first golf season, and the program has officially launched with student participation at both the regular and regional competition levels. The team competed against more established programs and gained match experience throughout the season. Several players expressed interest in continuing with the program in future seasons.