Birdie on 18 clinches title for senior
Sports editor
Winning has become the norm for Marion’s Luke Gordon this season.
The senior won four tournaments this year, but the biggest so far in his career came Monday with a regional championship.
A birdie on the 18th hole at Herington Country Club broke a three-way tie for first and gave Gordon a 79, and the title by one stroke.
“I thought that showed Luke’s great character as a golfer,” said co-head coach Lee Leiker.
The other five Warrior golfers each finished in the top 19.
Landon Leiker shot 83 to take fourth place, and Scott Jones earned a ninth-place medal with a 90.
Niklas Bronnert wasn’t far behind, shooting 93 for a 12th-place finish.
Lindsay Hett shot 96 and was 17th, while Ryan Jones finished at 98 and 19th.
MHS won the tournament by 24 strokes, finishing at 345. All six golfers will compete Tuesday at Wichita’s Tallgrass Country Club.
Coach Leiker said the windy day made for tough conditions.
“I thought Luke played very well for the windy conditions, and our team performed well overall,” he said.
Marion and Eureka, which finished second, each had three golfers in the top-10.
Both schools will send their full squads to the state meet.
There, all six players from each team will compete, but only the top-four will count toward the team scores.