The Warrenton boys golf team ended its season on May 7 at the Class 4, District 2 tournament in Wentzville with high hopes for the future. 

While no individual Warriors qualified for state, coach Aaron Jinkerson was pleased with the results. The Warriors placed 12th overall with a team score of 345. Gavin Thompson and Luke Bolm placed 29th, both posting a score of 82 and two strokes away from state qualification. 

Ethan Leavitt finished 41th (85), Gavin Solari placed 65th (96) and Eli Peth finished 68th (99). 

“I would like them to build on that experience next year and try to make it to state or just play better than they did this year,” Jinkerson said. “We have a really tough district every year, so for us to get out of that district will be an accomplishment in itself.” 

Despite falling short of state qualification, Jinkerson emphasized the team’s overall progress and key moments throughout the season.

“I was very happy all season with how we played in tournaments and how we competed against our conference foes,” he said. 

Two key moments from the season came from both senior Leavitt and sophomore Thompson, who earned GAC North all-conference honors. Leavitt finished 10th in conference, while Thompson placed 11th. Overall, Warrenton ended fourth in the conference rankings. 

“We have a very tough group of conference schools this year and earning all conference was definitely a well earned highlight for those two,” Jinkerson said. “Seeing the kids who competed on the varsity level, whether it was (Leavitt, Peth, Thompson, Solari or Bolm) and seeing them compete and find their way and understand what competing on the varsity level is all about was a highlight for me as well.” 

Jinkerson noted his team exceeded his expectations.  

“Every player in my book performed far better than I thought going into the season. I know the four returning varsity players we have next year will do their best to better their scoring average from this season,” he said. “I’m looking forward to how we project next and the year after that as well.” 

Warrenton will say goodbye to three seniors – Leavitt, Nathaniel Kutsch and Chance Klasing. Jinkerson added all three were a “joy to coach.”

“(Leavitt) was a quality four-year golfer for our program and when they’re freshmen, I like to talk about them progressively improving by the time their senior year is over, and he definitely did…” 

“...Our other two seniors were primarily JV players but they’re fine young men who were an asset to the team with their leadership roles and just providing a right example on how to be a good teammate and show improvement on the golf course as well,” Jinkerson said.  

Looking ahead, Jinkerson is optimistic about the future. 

“We definitely gained some experience that will help us next year and in the next couple of years,” Jinkerson said.