By Jayden Mies
Freelance Reporter
Special to the Tribune

The Pratt High School boys’ golf team has recently kicked off their 2025 season. This year’s team, which is expected to have a great year, is eager to get off to a solid start in their nearing contests.

This spring, the Greenbacks are led by a heavy senior class, which makes up eight out of the twelve golfers that are out this year for Pratt. Last season, the team was mainly composed of these seniors, who now have a good amount of varsity experience under their belts.

Last year, the team performed very well in the regular season, lead by senior Grant McAtee, who frequently found himself in the top three in each tournament. The team is also going to be relying on seniors Mathew Garnett and Hudson Rector to produce solid results in each tournament. These two golfers displayed great improvement through last season, and they will be expecting to perform even better this year.

The Greenbacks are led by Head Coach Tim Rector, and he wanted to share his thoughts on the team so far. He first said that he expects big things from this group, as they are a very experienced team with several players that he has confidence in to excel at the varsity level.

Next, Rector was asked who he could see stepping into leadership roles this spring.

“I think Grant McAtee will lead the team with his work ethic and calm demeanor. I am also looking for freshman Beau Ferrell to compete for a top varsity spot to help solidify the team this year,” Rector said.

Next, Rector talked about some goals that he had in mind for this year.

“Some goals I have for this team are to win our home tournament, win the Central Kansas League title for the first time in several years, do well enough at Regionals to qualify for state as a team, and compete well at the state tournament.”

Lastly, Rector concluded his thoughts with his excitement for the 2025 campaign.

He said, “I am most excited to see what our experienced, senior heavy team can accomplish this season.”

McAtee also wanted to talk about his thoughts regarding his nearing senior season. First, he was asked what things he believed the team needs to focus on in order to be successful.

He said, “We need to continue to grow mentally. Most of us have made moves towards a more consistent positive attitude, and scores have dropped. Along with that is chipping. In the past, our team has struggled with it but improving it this year will allow for better scores.”

Grant also said that he is very excited to begin his senior season.

“I’m most excited to go to state as a team. This is the best team that Pratt has had in a long time, and if we continue to work hard, state is very much in reach. We went in my sophomore year, but I’ve known these guys for a long time, and it would make a very special memory for all of us to end high school with.”

The Greenbacks will officially begin their 2025 season on Thursday, April 3, when they will host their annual varsity invitational at Park Hills Golf Course. Here, the team will look to kick off their year the right way and accomplish Coach Rector’s first goal.