By RANDY GONZALES
rgonzales@dailynews.net
Even though the Hays High School boys' golf squad failed to make it to state as a team, two Indians did qualify individually.
One of them -- senior Shelby Steffen -- has a chance to end his career on a high note.
The other Indian -- freshman Trey Herman -- can make a statement leading into next season.
Still, HHS coach Mark Watts couldn't mask his sadness for not getting all of his seniors to the season finale.
"It's very disappointing not to get the team in," Watts said. "That's my goal."
Hays High finished fourth at Monday's Class 5A Regional Championships at Salina Municipal Golf Course, four shots out a third-place finish which would have sent the team to Monday's Class 5A State Championships at McPherson's Turkey Creek Golf Course.
"Very windy day, I don't know," Watts said of the regional. "We were consistent again -- but consistent high."
The two Indians who have been playing the best recently did the same at the regional, and made state. Herman had the best HHS score, shooting an 81 for third place.
"Trey doesn't get in trouble, doesn't spray the ball around," Watts said. "He has a good short game."
Steffen rebounded at the conference meet, then again at the regional, after struggling for a few meets.
"That's Shelby," Watts said. "Shelby's a good No. 1 player even though he doesn't have the best average."
With no team worries, Steffen and Herman won't have the same kind of pressure on Monday.
"Now they're playing under a different pressure," Watts said. "You're more relaxed."
What might make the Indian players ill at ease is the course.
"On that golf course, shoot 73 or better to get in the top 20," Watts said. "There is a cross wind and water just about every hole.
"I know all the growth the courses had this year. I know there's going to be some long rough," Watts added.
Which could mean a rough time for any golfer on Monday.
"Trey, it's going to be different for him," Watts said. "Shelby's used to it, played that course lots of times."