four golfers compete at state championship, finish eighth as a team

​by: Katie Heimberg and Julia Keane

Members of the state qualifying golf team (left to right): Coach Chris Beil, Amber Kostick, Michael Gloth, Megan Kirkpatrick, and Ellis Waak

Despite their top-ten finish at the state championship golf tournament in late October, members of Glenelg’s golf team are already looking forward to next season. 

Playing in windy conditions Oct. 26 and 27 at The University of Maryland Golf Course, the team placed eighth overall behind sophomore Megan Kirkpatrick’s fourth place finish. It was Kirkpatrick’s first state tournament. ​

​“I was extremely proud of myself and the way I performed,” Kirkpatrick said. “I didn’t expect to place as high as I did, and I’m so thankful for everyone who helped me this season.”

Kirkpatrick credits her coach, Chris Beil, for helping her improve throughout the season. 
 
“Megan should be proud of her state performance,” Beil said. “She knows now what it takes to win it next year!”
 
Though golf is an individual sport, relying on teammates for camaraderie and support helps keep golfers motivated. So does the returning of experienced players next season. 
 
“I am excited for the girls program as we return most of our athletes,” Beil said. “I look forward to seeing who steps up on the boys team. Overall, we will be just as competitive as we were this year.”
 
Still, according to Kirkpatrick, there is room for individual improvement.
 
“My goal for next year is to win counties, districts or states,” Kirkpatrick said. “I came up short in all three this year and I think it is very achievable. As a team I think we did really well. We qualified for states with pretty good scores and if we all would have done a little bit better we would have made it to the second day as a team.”

The state qualifying team included senior Michael Gloth, junior Amber Kostick, sophomore Ellis Waak and Kirkpatrick. 
 
“The fact that we made it to States and were able to progress as far as we did was impressive,” Kostick said. “I think that is a good look for the team.”