A year ago, the Montgomery County golf team enjoyed a strong season that included a third-place finish at the Eastern Missouri Conference tournament, a fifth-place effort at the district tournament and two state qualifiers.

This year, the Wildcats will look to turn in another strong season with several returning golfers, including juniors Karter Reagan and Wyatt March.

Both Reagan and March were part of a lineup that included now-graduated Robby Rodgers, Maddox James and Cade Smith. Both earned all-conference honors for the first time last year. Reagan came close to qualifying for state in 2024, shooting a 90 at the district tournament.

Reagan and March will lead a team that has seven seniors, four juniors and three sophomores. Seniors Kinsley Hutcheson, Clayton Parker and Jay Rodgers are also back for another year for the Wildcats.

Last year, Robby Rodgers and James were the Wildcats’ representatives at the Class 2 state tournament, making it the fourth year in a row MCHS had at least one state qualifier. It was the first time they competed at state.

The Wildcats finished third in last year’s EMO tournament that was held at Woods Fort Golf Course in Troy and had four golfers who earned all-league honors. This year’s conference tournament will be at Innsbrook Golf Course on April 28.

MCHS placed fifth with a 357 at the Class 2, District 2 golf tournament at Norwoods Golf Club, marking its highest district tournament finish in Cody Hasekamp’s tenure as head coach. Hasekamp is back for his third year as coach.

Burke King, Andrew Moore, Isaiah Thomas and Tatum Wessel are the other seniors on the team. Juniors Jacob Ridenhour and Jacob Teson and sophomores Jack Barker, Kaiden Waite and Owen Merz round out the team.

The Wildcats will start their season on March 25 with a home match at Wildcat Golf Course, which changed its name from Montgomery Golf Club last year. They will also have home matches on April 1 and April 11.