By Matt Browning

The Eisenhower golf team established itself as one of the top programs in Class 5A last season, as the Tigers took second at the state tournament.

Having only lost two players to graduation, Eisenhower figures to be a state contender yet again this season.

Eisenhower was chosen as the Visit Wichita Team of the Month for March.

“The boys definitely feel the pressure to perform well again this year,” Eisenhower coach John Loomis said. We lost two players from last year’s state runner-up team.  We have two to three freshmen that will compete for a spot in our varsity tournaments.  Our strength should be our depth.  All six golfers that we will take to a tournament have the opportunity to have their score count.”

Three returning players had at least one top ten finish last season: Tyler Hardtarfer, Brody Scafe and Carson Wright. Add in freshmen Jackson Loomis and the Tigers have a nucleus that can contend with the state’s best.

“We have set very high expectations for our team this year,” Loomis said. “We have the ability to compete in every tournament that we enter. We hope to repeat as league champions, qualify for the state tournament, and then compete for a state title. I hope to have quite a few freshmen join our team this year. Our former coach, Cliff Hartzog, built a great program. We hope to build on his success and take the program to the next level. I also hope to give our players every opportunity to play at the collegiate level.”