Golf Bulldogs finish at State

On May 16-17, your hometown Golf Bulldogs set out on a mission at the state tournament as a team for the first time in over 20 years in Columbia, Missouri. Seniors: Devun Salazar, Auston Smith, Jaren Meisenheimer and sophomore Rees McCullough all qualified for the state tournament and allowed El Dorado to compete for a team state title as well as individuals. “It was such an amazing year and I am so proud of the team for qualifying. It is just awesome!” Coach Beckner said.
The state tournament was held at Columbia Country Club, the oldest country club in the city, and it was in great conditions for the players. Rees McCullough added, “I was a little nervous about the course, but then once we got the practice round in, it was just golf at that point. It was still a really hard course but I was happy to be here.” Although there was one competitor with a sub par score, all players were in awe of the course. Coach Beckner said, “Man, how awesome of a way to end the year by playing the best course in Columbia and maybe top 10 nicest in the state.”
Senior Devun Salazar accomplished a great feat in closing out his high school career by placing 15th making him All State back to back years (he was also All State as a junior). “I didn’t play as well as what I wanted on day 1, but on day 2 I came back and made some shots, I am just happy to be here with my team and coaches to finish off my senior year.” Salazar said.
Auston Smith all finished off a great career placing in the top 30 both this year and last year as a junior. Coach Beckner said, “I am super proud of our boys and especially Auston, he was consistent all year, really wanted him to make all state, but shots didnt fall that way this time and that is the way it goes sometimes.” Fellow senior Jaren Meisenheimer competed hard all year but fell just a little short of a green once too many times. “Super proud of Jaren, had a shoulder problem, couldn’t compete in baseball, found a way to get cleared and contributed in golf. Most kids would just call it quits. This was a fun year and a fun team.”
Rees McCullough is the lone returning state qualifier for next year’s team and Coach Beckner believes the team will be in good hands. “Rees is a great competitor and will find a way to get better and lead this team.”
The golf team would like to thank all the supporters that contributed to the success of the year and make the season enjoyable. The Booster Club, Optimist Club, private donates, and Evans Pharmacy. The team was well taken care of all year long and had a fantastic season!