Lincoln Christian sophomore Brant Ritzhaupt will represent the Bulldogs at the Class 4A State Tournament tomorrow, hoping to finish his solid season with an exclamation point.
Ritzhaupt is the lone Bulldog competing at Winter Creek Golf and Social Club in Blanchard, after he shot 76-80 at regionals on April 27 in Elk City.
The sophomore battled tough and windy conditions to finish 18th overall and make the state tournament as an individual.
"I feel very honored to get to represent a great school and I am very excited to represent and glorify God through the state tournament," said Ritzhaupt.
Ritzhaupt had to battle through some ups and downs earlier in the year, but he has turned it around at the right time and mentally is in a great place heading into Monday and Tuesday's state tournament.
"Honestly my game really went through a bad spot for a while," said the sophomore. "It has started to get better now that I've realized what a blessing it actually is to be out there playing golf at a course embracing the gifts God has given me."
"My game this year improved mentally more than physically which gives me confidence leading into my junior year."
Last spring, Ritzhaupt qualified for state as the only individual on Lincoln's team and did well, placing 22nd as a freshman.
"My freshman year taught me to calm my nerves and trust the work I have put in before my tournaments," he said.
Ritzhaupt has placed in the top five twice this season, as well as finished in the top 10 four times, in eight tournaments.
He will hope to better his state finish last year when he tees off at around 8 a.m. tomorrow.
"This year at state I am hoping to finish in the top 20 and make smart course management decisions," said Ritzhaupt.
The sophomore hopes to lean on the mental strength he has developed throughout the season, trusting his preparation and work, which will allow him to go play freely.
"The key thing for me to play well at this upcoming state tournament would be my mentality and mental strength," he said. "I have to remember the drills and work I have put in, trust my swing, and if I hit a bad golf shot, then forget about it."
The golfers will play 36 holes tomorrow morning and then 18 more on Tuesday.
