Golfers faced an uncontrollable challenge during Monday's GAC North meet at Innsbrook. After becoming accustomed to mild temperatures and favorable conditions, the Warrenton golf team found itself battling brisk winds and chilly temperatures on Monday. Wet course conditions also put a damper on the meet, although the rain steered clear until the conclusion of the event. Perhaps, the only positive - the weather appeared to have evened the playing field. "After being used to playing in 84-degree temperatures, this was a challenge for all the kids," said Barton. "So, I think scores overall were a little higher than they usually are at this time of year." Washington's Tyler Schrader turned in the lowest score of the day with a 75. The Blue Jays earned the top three medalist spots and also claimed the team trophy. Warrenton tied for fourth and had two medalists at the varsity level. "Overall, it was a good day for Warrenton golf," said Barton. " ... This is a tough, tough conference to medal in when you're dealing with the teams we're dealing with. So, I was very pleased that we had two medalists." Junior Mikal Harpster turned in a 78, finishing fourth. After shooting five over through the first seven holes, Harpster was determined to salvage his round. "Overall it turned out to be OK, considering I was playing terrible," said Harpster. "I just couldn't hit the driver again." Harpster has been a lock in the No. 1 spot for the Warriors, routinely turning in the lowest score. "He really pushed those (Washington) guys," said Barton. "That was a neat deal for Mikal. After last year, he's really been focused on making it to state." Senior John Schwerdt recorded an 83 to place 10th overall. "I thought Mikal and John did a really good job of staying composed," said Barton. "They both thought they were struggling about halfway through, but it looks like they finished strong." Senior Austin Gibbs managed to recover from a sluggish start, shooting an 88 to finish third among Warrenton golfers. "I started off pretty rough on the front nine," said Gibbs. "The pace of play was pretty slow. Once it started picking up, I started getting back into my groove and things started getting a little more consistent." Finishing fourth on the Warrenton varsity roster was junior Patrick Koch, who turned in a 90. Senior Chris Bardy shot a 93. The Warriors also had four medalists among the junior varsity standings. Senior Kurtis Pruitt finished second, shooting an 80. Sterling Coffey recorded a 90, while Tyler Romaker shot a 92. Sophomore Mike Dalton turned in a 93, and Cole Keeven shot a 105. It was the consensus of most of the golfers that the conditions altered their performance - or forced them to alter their swing. "I'm not really a long hitter, so the (conditions) affected me a great deal," said Gibbs. "I had to make up my strokes in my short game, as opposed to my long game." "The conditions played a pretty big role in it," said Harpster. "The lowest guy shot a 75, which isn't a bad score, but considering there's a lot of good players here." While the Warriors were content with their conference finish, they have more defined goals for the approaching district match. "It was another step in a positive direction," said Barton. "Now we get to go home and focus on districts in a week. That's the big prize, is getting to state." Innsbrook will host the district meet on Wednesday, beginning at 9 a.m. "It doesn't really matter until next week," said Harpster. "I just want to play good next week. That's my big goal - is to make it to state. That's what driven me all year."