The Jefferson City Jays were disappointed with their finish in the district tournament.
The Jays were fourth in the eight-team field. But with four individuals advancing, Jefferson City had the opportunity to post a team score at the sectional tournament.
Feint hopes turned into reality last Monday when the shorthanded Jays finished second to claim a spot in the Class 4 state tournament, which begins today at Swope Memorial Golf Course in Kansas City.
"There were a couple of coaches who weren't happy we advanced with just four," Jefferson City coach Randy Bickel said. "But it was sweet."
Bickel, who says he can't remember the last time the Jays advanced to state as a team, believes the squad is peaking at the right time.
"The last two weeks have been excellent golf weather and we've been able to get a lot of work done," he said. "Even though we maybe haven't played quite as well as we should have in districts and sectionals, we are moving in the right direction."
Bickel said the mindset of his four players was apparent in last Sunday's practice round for the sectional.
"The level of focus and purpose was there," he said. "It was greater than it has been all year, it was a bit of a pleasant surprise."
The four Jays knew they had no safety net if they wanted to move on as a team to state.
"It's helped with their focus, they know every shot counts because they can't rely on anybody else," Bickel said.
Nathan Erickson, a senior, shared medalist honors at districts and was fourth at the sectional for the Jays.
"He's a rare young man, he is so active and busy that he understands how precious practice is and he makes every moment count," Bickel said.
This is Erickson's second state tournament appearance. He tied for 56th as a freshman.
Brett Trowbridge, another senior, will play in his second state tournament after tying for 77th last season.
"He has a great skill set and he's still figuring out things in the game," Bickel said. "He's really improved his mental part of the game, he's thinking his way around the golf course."
Burke Craighead, also a senior, will be making his first state appearance.
"He has figured some things out and he's playing like he's capable," Bickel said. "He's very consistent."
Michael Davidson, a sophomore, is the lone underclassman qualifier for the Jays.
"He's stepped up recently, he's really come through for us," Bickel said. "He's accepting coaching and that has made a big difference."
With the long trip to Kansas City and graduation requirements, it's been tough to get to the state course.
"We pieced together some practice rounds," Bickel said.
Swope Memorial is a short course by modern standards, measuring just more than 6,200 yards.
"It's a Point A to Point B golf course and your short game is at a premium," Bickel said. "This course was designed before the new technology, when players weren't hitting the ball 300 yards. It's a great old-style golf course. It's challenging in being smart and not trying to overpower it.
"You can post a good number as long as you don't get greedy."
The temptation may be strong to try to overpower the short course by hitting a driver off the tee. Due to coach's orders, that club may not be in the bag at state.
"We're talking very seriously about it," Bickel said.
The Jays have received game plans in the two postseason tournaments.
"I think they've learned they need to stick with what we tell them," Bickel said. "You don't want to be conservative, just remember par is a good score and take a shot at a birdie when the opportunity is there.
"It's a mind-set we're still trying to instill in them."
Bickel is very familiar with Swope Memorial.
"It's fun," he said. "It's tree-lined, there are a lot of blind shots and a lot of hazards.
"I don't know if a lot of people would enjoy playing this course because it takes a lot of discipline and in high school golf, that can be a foreign term at times. But if you hit the fairways, hit the greens, you're going to score well."
Bickel believes the team and individual champion will truly earn those honors this year.
"Of all the golf courses we've had the Class 4 championships at, this may provide the truest test to a player," Bickel said. "Every facet of your game has to be there. It's not a bomber's course, it's not a course where you can be wild.
"The state champion is going to deserve it, the trophy should be three times the normal size when you win it on this great course."
Bickel doesn't believe there is a prohibitive favorite for team honors.
"You're going to have shoot a 285 each day to finish in the top four," Bickel said.
If the Jays continue to climb the postseason ladder - fourth at districts, second at sectionals - there's just one rung left.
"If they follow the plan, they have all the skills they need to do it," Bickel said of the Jays' state title hopes.
This is Bickel's final event as coach of the Jays. He is stepping down after more than a decade as coach for the Jefferson City boys and girls teams.
"It feels so good to get to state," Bickel said. "It's a great group to go out on."