While Summer sports are starting up, Knoxville’s Spring Sports will be in the spotlight for the next two days as the boys golf squad heads to Ames on Monday to play in the class 3A State Meet for a fourth straight season. The Panthers are trying to get one notch higher in the standings than last year’s runner-up finish. While getting a state title is the goal, and very important to the guys, they are coming in with no pressure. Seniors Evan Smith and Carson Uitermarkt, who both have the distinction of playing at state all four years of their high school career, tell KNIA/KRLS Sports the most important thing to accomplish is to have a good two days.
Carson: “You just play your game and see what happens, just have a good time and we’ve been to state four times just go and enjoy it, most teams don’t get to state at all.”
Evan: “Obviously what everyone wants to hear is a state championship and we want to come out on top, and Carson and I have been there for four years so we’re just going to take it in. If we play our best and finish near the top then it’s a successful week.”
Tee off is set to begin Monday at 10:30. Listen for updates on KNIA/KRLS from the Veenker Memorial Golf Course in Ames.
While the golfers are on the course in Ames, about eight miles away in Gilbert, the Knoxville Boys Soccer Squad will be playing in the class 2A substate semifinals against Nevada. The match was originally slated for Nevada, but the state moved it to Gilbert, which hosts Chariton in the other semifinal. Coach Dylan Mick tells KNIA/KRLS he is excited to have the match moved from the grass field of Nevada to the turf of Gilbert.
Mick: “We play and practice on a turf field every day. It’s a much shorter trip for them. I think our fortunes turned around, I think if we play like we should then we’ll be back there on Wednesday playing again, and I think the kids are very excited for the opportunity.”
Match is set to begin at 5:00, a win would put the Panthers in the substate final against either Gilbert or Chariton on Wednesday.