The South Loup boys’ golf team saw their season come to an end on May 20, at the district meet held in Ainsworth. For seniors Harper Johnson, Jamie Tickle, and Bo Brennan, this was their last opportunity to represent the Bobcats. Johnson was part of last season’s state qualifying team, while this was the first year on the course for Brennan, who decided to try something new for his senior season.

Also joining Johnson on last year’s qualifying team was junior Haydn Stretesky. With five of the top seven players from the 2024 squad graduating last year, first year Head Coach Jeff Cole knew this season could pose some challenges for his young and inexperienced team. He also knew his team had the capability of being very competitive and stepping up, and throughout the season they did just that.

Though this was Cole’s first year in the head coaching position, he is not new to Bobcat golf. He was an assistant coach under Jarod Rush for three seasons.

Taking over as assistant this year was first-year teacher and coach Garrett Hrupek.

Crew Witthuhn, Jamie Tickle, Luke Tullis, and Hayden Myers returned for the Bobcats this year, and joining Brennan as first-year golfers were Callan Witthuhn and Asher Evans.

As a team, the Bobcats scored a 369 in the district meet to finish in 4th place overall, with the top three teams getting a spot at the state tournament. Johnson led the team with the low score of 89, followed by Crew Witthuhn with 92, and Stretesky with 93.

Tickle shot a 95, and Brennan rounded out the team with a 105. It was the team’s second-best score of the season.

Two MNAC golfers finished in the top 10 in the Class D state meet played at Jackrabbit Run in Columbus.

Brady Haake of Sandhills/Thedford finished his career with a 5th place state medal, and Mullen’s Jacob Walker finished in a tie for 9th place.