The Fort Scott golf team has built its season around experience, depth and a senior class that has set the tone from the start.
Head coach Jon Barnes said the program’s identity begins with its three senior leaders — Reece Roberts, Teegan Stiles and Caleb Hall — each of whom has shaped the Tigers’ consistent success throughout the year.
“This team is special because of our top three seniors, Reece Roberts, Teegan Stiles, and Caleb Hall,” Barnes said. “These are my leaders. They are all four-year varsity players, and all carry at least two years of state competition.”
With that veteran core guiding the way, Fort Scott entered the season with high expectations and a large roster that has helped build both competition and connection within the program.
“With the leadership from these three, as well as the help from our supporting cast of two juniors and another three-year senior, this season had high expectations from the beginning of the year,” Barnes said.
The Tigers have backed that up on the course. At one point during the season, Fort Scott won three consecutive tournaments and has placed in the top three in six straight events, establishing itself as a steady presence near the top of the leaderboard.
“Our goal this season has been to compete at a high level,” Barnes said. “With that, I’d say we’ve been successful.”
Now, Fort Scott turns its attention to the postseason, with substate set to be played on its home course — a setting Barnes believes gives his team a strong opportunity to extend its season.
“We still have work left to do,” Barnes said. “Hosting substate at our home course provides us an excellent opportunity to keep our season moving forward with serious momentum.”
This year also carries personal meaning for Barnes, who is in his first season leading the program. He said stepping into the role with an experienced group and a deep roster of 23 players has made the transition both smooth and rewarding.
“This season has been special for me as it is my first season as our head coach,” Barnes said. “I came into a great situation, with such great kids at the top of our team, but we had 23 guys on our roster this year, which is an astounding number of guys.”
That size, he said, has helped strengthen team culture and deepen relationships across the program.
“That many people made seeing the tight bonds form even more special,” Barnes said.
At the center of that culture are the three seniors who have helped set the standard for Fort Scott golf and mentor the next wave of players coming through the program.
“That all really comes back to the leadership I have in my seniors, who have served as mentors for the next generation of Tiger golfers after them,” Barnes said. “They are leaving big shoes to fill, but right now they are still making their legacy they will leave behind. They are the giants whose shoulders future generations will stand on, and it’s just been a blast to be a part of this season.”
