In each of the past two seasons, Mikal Harpster’s ultimate goal has managed to evade him. Last spring the Warrenton golfer earned about every piece of hardware imaginable, medaling in each of the Warriors’ tournaments. But there is one achievement on his list that he is yet to conquer. Now a senior, Harpster is determined not to end his career without a state tournament medal. Harpster entered the second day of last year’s MSHSAA Championships in 16th place — just one spot away from all-state honors. By the end of day two, he had plummeted to 55th and found himself out of contention for any type of award. Harpster asserts that he has no regrets about last season but that dismal day still lingers in his mind. He says the letdown was a product of the immense pressure he put on himself. “When it comes to golf, I’m my own worst enemy,” quipped Harpster. His coach takes notice of how much time and effort the young athlete puts into his favorite sport. He says that impeccable work ethic is what sets Harpster apart from his competitors. “The main ingredient for him this year will be how serious he took his game during the offseason,” said coach Rich Barton. Last year, Warrenton’s No. 1 golfer had avenged disappointment from the previous season just to make it to state. During his sophomore year, he had shot consistent scores throughout the entire season up until districts. He found himself outside of the state qualifying class on that day. Last season, Harpster took the district field by storm, not only advancing to state but winning the individual championship at Innsbrook. “A lot of people think he came out of nowhere to win the districts,” said Barton. “Our people around this program know how hard he worked to achieve what he did.” Harpster has put considerable diligence into shaving strokes off his game since last May. He is determined to land among the Top 15 spots at this year’s state meet. “It’s always been a pretty big accomplishment to get to state,” said Harpster. “I’m not just trying to get there. I’m trying to medal and place as high as possible.” A return trip to state for Harpster and his teammates may be twice as challenging this season. In the past, a solid round at the district meet booked a trip to the championships, but this year a sectional round has been added to reduce the field of state competitors in half. Harpster is in favor of the change, believing it will weed out the less worthy competitors. “I definitely think it’s a good thing, because it will eliminate the inconsistent players,” said Harpster.  He says his second day struggles at state were a result of him reverting back to old habits. “I put too much pressure on myself just like I had the year before at districts,” noted Harpster. As one of two captains this season, Harpster is fairly certain the Warriors can journey back to state as a team. He and fellow senior Patrick Koch, the Warriors’ No. 2 golfer, both return considerable experience. Koch is a two-time state qualifier. “I think we both want the same thing — for the team to have a good season and to go out with the best possible ending,” said Harpster. “We’ve had some good seasons, but I think we’ve can have an even better one this year.” Barton says he strategically places Harpster with the inexperienced golfers to groom them to become the next set of leaders. “I named him one of our captains, and his leadership role should pay dividends for us,” said Barton. “I put him with the younger golfers so he could offer guidance and lead by example.” Harpster is particularly excited about the addition of freshman Ethan Luecke, who he has known since being introduced to the game by a family friend during eighth grade. The two have played countless rounds of golf on the course owned by Lueke’s family. “It’s ridiculous the number of rounds I’ve played with him,” said Harpster. “I try to set the example for him. I just wish I could have been as good as he is when I was that age.” In preparation for his final season, Harpster played about a dozen junior PGA events across the midwest. He took fourth during a tournament in Colorado. “I placed pretty consistently as most of my tournaments and saw a lot of different competition,” said Harpster. “It was a good building summer.” Harpster has prided himself on his short game, often able to gain an edge on opponents on the greens. But he felt his driving technique could still use some tweaking. “Ever since he was a freshman he has been concerned about not hitting it far enough,” said Barton. “Just getting in the weight room has helped that. He’s driving farther and more down the middle. He’s definitely gotten a little more power to his drive.” Harpster worked with an instructor at the Boone Valley Club in Augusta, the course at which he works during his spare time. “During the offseason I worked to change my swing from a two-plane to a one-plane swing,” said Harpster. “I put a lot of repititions in, making a lot of swing changes.” Three weeks into practice, Harpster has seen the rewards of his offseason diligence. “My long game is more consistent, and I’m hitting more greens with my irons,” said Harpster. “I’ve been able to knock off a lot of strokes.” Harpster’s passion for golf has also guided him toward a career path. He will begin pursuing a degree in professional golf management next fall at Eastern Kentucky University. “I’d like to see him win our own tournament this year,” said Barton. “Ultimately, I’d like to see him be a medalist at state.”