Linn faced a large and experienced field that included several of the top programs in the state last Monday at the Columbia Classic.

Colton Leivian (SO) led the Wildcats with a 112, followed by Bentley Hertzing (FR) at 121, Jake Bish (SR) at 130, Cameron Hoelscher (SR) at 139, and Ryatt Reynolds (FR) at 145.

Linn coach John Viehland said the scores reflected a team still early in its development, with a mix of youth and limited varsity experience. “These are good starting scores for a group of new golfers with goals of getting better each day,” said Viehland. “We’re not where we want to be yet, but there’s a lot of room to improve over the course of the season.”

The Wildcats’ lineup featured two freshmen, a sophomore with one year of experience, and two seniors — including one competing in his first season of high school golf. Viehland added that three additional seniors on the roster are also new to the sport.

Linn competed as the only Class 1 team in a tournament dominated by larger schools, including Battle, Warrensburg, Chaminade College Prep, Rock Bridge, Capital City, Helias, Father Tolton, Jefferson City, Hickman, CBC, Smith-Cotton, De Smet, and Francis Howell.

“It was a great experience to compete against some of the best golfers from bigger schools in the state,” Viehland said.