Concluding our top ten countdown of the top ten sports stories for Knoxville High School, we are finally at #1. Going into the golf season, the Panthers knew it could be a special season, but they also knew they would be getting everyone’s best shot. The Panthers started the season mowing down nearly everyone in their wake. While it was a tougher ride to the State Meet through the Sectional and District, Knoxville was one of ten teams that made the trip to Veenker Golf Course in Ames. After a 1st round that saw Knoxville struggle to a 329, but still in 2nd place. On day two, Knoxville took 15 shots off its day one score to shoot a tournament total of 643, two shots ahead of Gilbert to grab the runner-up trophy for the Panthers best finish in school history. Knoxville was led by Kail Arkema, who earned all-state honors with his seventh place finish shooting a 12 over 156. Carson Uitermarkt, Noah Keefer, and Evan Smith all told KNIA/KRLS Sports it was gratifying to get runner-up and they hope to get back to State this school year for a 4rh straight season.

Carson: I’m just really proud of everybody and to battle back from the conditions.”
Noah: “Today I actually struck it really well. I took 14 shots off of yesterday so I’m pretty proud of it.”
Evan: “This team has 4 solid golfers on it, and I’m sure somebody is going to step up and the goal is to win, but if we’re 2nd again, no one is going to complain.”

The Panthers lose Arkema and Beau Leisure to graduation.