The South Loup Bobcats golf team took on its first meet of the season at Amherst on April 4 and Colbi Smith played the 18-hole tournament for a 77 on the day to bring home gold. Head coach Jarod Rush said the day was incredibly windy but despite that element, the team played well.

"I'm surprised the scores weren't worse," he said of his teams' performance. "Colbi played great. A 77 in that wind is very impressive."

Joey Sallach shot a 106 in his first-ever golf meet, just missing a medal by two strokes.

Dylan Handley shot a 110 and Grant Hrupek played his 18-hole round for a 116 to round out the Bobcat scorers.

On April 8, the Bobcats will host the South Loup Invitational at Arnold and Rush said he anticipates another windy Nebraska day as well as another challenge.

"Three of our top five golfers will not be there due to State FFA," he said.

While that could be seen as a test for some coaches, Rush says it's an opportunity for the members of the team who will be golfing.

"I'm hoping the weather cooperates and our other team members can improve and get rid of those first-meet jitters," he said.

The South Loup Invitational tees off at 10 a.m. at Arnold Country Club.