Junction City is not known as a “golf” school. So when the Lady Dragons qualified as a team for the 2A State Tournament last week, it was a big deal. The team finished second in the 2A 6 District Tournament and will compete in the state tournament Tuesday at Glenwood Country Club.
“I’m very excited, especially because it’s the first time Junction City has ever qualified as a team,” said senior Karla Castillo. “It’s honestly such an honor to represent our school.”
Castillo joins seniors Valarie Kidwell, Mikayla Knight and Jess Thurmon and junior Addison Cary in the Lady Dragons’ lineup at Glenwood.
“I’m excited to be going as a team. We all are,” said Kidwell. “It's not everyday you make school history. I also think it’s a great experience for my senior year.”
Junction City has played consistently well during the season with an eye toward this week.
“The goal all year was to qualify for state, and I’m so proud they were able to accomplish it,” said Coach Shelby Ward. “It is a significant achievement for the program. None of our players come from a golfing background, yet they have put in the work. Every year, the program is growing with more kids interested in playing, both boys and girls.
“The goal now is to win state. It will be a challenging task but I believe in all five of the girls who are making the trip. Golf is an unpredictable sport and anything can happen on any day.”
Ward talked about Junction City’s senior class and what it has meant to the golf program.
“I am not a very emotional person but every time I think of this group of senior girls, I get a little emotional,” he said. “Since Allie Thurmon graduated, they have been the face of the program and have represented it very well. When I started teaching six years ago, I had this group of girls in sixth grade. Then I moved to junior high and had them again. After that, when I started coaching softball, I have had them since. They have truly been a blessing in my life and have made me a better teacher and coach. It will definitely be bittersweet on graduation day.”