Hap Waddell represented the Marion golf team at the drawn-out Class 2A state meet at Hesston.
Waddell was on the sixth hole when play was postponed May 20 because of weather, and coach Tod Gordon said the course was still “very soaked” when play resumed May 29.
In the end, Waddell carded an 18-hole score of 140, finishing 76th overall.
“Hap just hits irons on each hole, and the wet conditions did not allow any roll,” Gordon said. “He was at a huge disadvantage trying to hit shorter iron, which needed dry conditions to roll out. Hap struggled and always maintained good spirits and played hard.”
Waddell is one of four seniors to graduate from the combined Marion/Peabody-Burns team.
“Max (Caldwell) from Peabody was a complete joy to get to know,” Gordon said. “Devin (Soyez is) a four-year lettermen and will be missed. Hap improved each day and was our entertainment. He always kept everyone laughing. Ethan (Darnall) joined golf late, and it would have been nice to have Ethan for a second year to work on his struggling areas. Great group and a joy to coach.”
For Gordon, who returned for his third stint—and seventh year overall—as coach this season, the weather provided an added challenge.
“The biggest difference this year was the weather swings,” he said. “Started out canceling practices due to snow, then we had 85 and windy, then came the rain. I have always been fortunate to have great kids. This was a fun bunch to coach.”
