Dexter, MO - The Dexter High School honored their spring sports with their 2022 Awards Ceremony held on Thursday, May 12, 2022. Coach Eric Sitze gave out the awards for Golf.
"We had a great season this year," Coach Eric Sitze said. "Our lowest 18 hole score was 312 which stands as a 2nd lowest in school history. We had a season scoring average of 163.8 and our season match record was 14-3 with three rainouts."
"I wish we could have played those matches, but the rain was really, really bad this year. We played in a total of 6 tournaments playing against fields of 12 to 16 teams."
Dexter finished 4th in the Notre Dame Tournament against three Class 5 teams Nixa, Helias, and Poplar Bluff. They tied for 2nd with Jackson in the Farmington Invitational. They finished 3rd in the Jackson, Poplar Bluff, and SEMO Conference Tournaments to Poplar Bluff and Jackson.
This past Monday the golf team finished 1st as a team in Districts advancing to the State Tournament on Monday, May 16th and Tuesday, May 17th at the Sedalia Country Club.
Dylan Sitze was able to claim the gold medal for a 2nd year in a row and Cy Worley claimed the silver finishing 2nd.
The 2010 Bearcat Golf Team was the last team able to advance to the State Tournament. "I am completely thrilled to get the opportunity to compete at this level again," stated Sitze.
Individually this year the Bearcats had 3 SEMO All Conference players Cy Worley, Dylan Sitze, and Matt Hardin. They also had three All District players Dylan Sitze, Cy Worley, and Tucker Temples.
Ben Christian also medaled in two tournaments this season. "We did very well individually in our area."
"They have been a great bunch of kids to coach this season and I am very proud of all of their accomplishments," continued Sitze.
Letter winners are Alyssa Warren (sophomore), Ethan Zabelin (sophomore), and Miller McLaughlin (senior).
"These three players have worked hard this spring working on being better players. They participated in three to four varsity matches as individuals. There were many days after practice they would be on the range tring to improve their swing or just work on their game. They are great teammates and very supportive of each other."
Ben Christian (freshman) letter winner - His average was 41.2 this season. he played the number 3 spot all year and did a great job for the team as a freshman. Ben medaled in 2 out of his first 3 tournaments shooting a season best 77 and tying for 4th with Dylan and Cy in the Farmington Tournament.
Tucker Temples (freshman) letter winner - His average was 44.7 this season. He played the number 5 spot most of the season. He was a medal winner in two tournaments and one JV tournament at Perryville where he finished 4th and then placed 9th in the District Tournament making the All District Team.
"I want to thank my three seniors for all of their hard work and dedication over the past four years," continued Sitze. "We are going to miss you guys next year. You have been a big part of our success and I am proud to have gotten to know them and hope they have learned something that will help carry them through the next phase after graduation. Golf is a great game that can teach many great life lessons. I am grateful for our four years together and will always be a phone call away. Thank you again and good luck after graduation."
Senior Matt Hardin's average was 46.4 this season. He played the #4 spot. He was a state qualifier last year and a SEMO All Conference medal winner this year. "He has steadily improved over the past four years on the golf team shooting his best score of 81 at Conference a few weeks ago. Matt has a great golf swing and can hit it long. He keeps all our guys in line, and isn't afraid to tell them when they cross that line."
Senior Cy Worley had an average this season of 38.4. He played the number 1 and 2 spots. Cy medaled in all 6 of the tournaments and finished 3rd at the Poplar Bluff Invitational. He was SEMO All Conference this year and All District two years, placing 2nd and winning a silver medal on Monday at Districts. His lowest score this year was a 34 (-2) which included a hole out from 100 yards for Eagle. That tied him for 2nd lowest 9 hole score in the Dexter High School records. "He earns the award for growing more in his four years than any other golfer I've coached. He was a big part of our last District Championship team in 2019 and our very talented 2020 team that was cancelled because of Covid-19. Cy will continue his golf career at Mineral Area College."
Senior Dylan Sitze had an average 38.9 this season and he played the number 1 and 2 spots. "Dylan has been a very consistent player for our program the past four years." Dylan medaled in all 6 tournaments this year. He is Dexter's 12th District/Sectional champion. His lowest 18 hole score was 72 (+1) at Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston. He has been All Conference and All District every year. He has earned a trip to State every year individually and was all State as a freshman. Dylan was also a big part of our last District Championship team in 2019 and our very talented 2020 team that was cancelled due to Covid-19. Dylan will continue his golf career next year at Evangel University.
"I have always given this award out before State and it came down to 2 athletes for the first time since 2002. Kyle and Matt Christian were the last two guys that this was so close. Dylan and Cy have been playing against each other since they were 10 years old. This year was no different. I think they are about 14 or 15 stroked apart."
This year's 2022 Season Medalist with a 38.4 season low average is Cy Worley.
Pictured from left to right Coach Eric Sitze, Allyssa Warren, Matt Hardin, Ethan Zabelin, Cy Worley, Ben Christian, Dylan Sitze, and Tucker Temples.
