By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
Prior to this week, it had already been a very memorable 2021 season, and memorable career, for recent St. Joseph Central graduate Daniel Love.
The all-conference and all-district golfer helped take the Indians' boys golf team to new heights.
Not only did he shoot a record score of 30 through nine holes at Fairview Golf Course this spring, but he was also part of a 309 team score at the Liberty Invite at Hodge Park in April - the lowest team score for Central boys' golf in a decade.
"I think this season really gave the team some confidence," said Love. "You know, we can do this and we can go against the big Kansas City schools or anyone in the state. For the juniors and under classmen who are coming up and are going to be leaders on the team, I think it's great for them to know that we can always compete."
That competitive spirit lingered into the district meet in Independence, where Love placed third with a two-over par 74. Teammate and junior Andrew Wheatley's 10-over par 82 put him 16th - sending them both to the Class 5 state meet at Sedalia Country Club this past Monday and Tuesday.
"Golf is a really serious sport and there's a lot of pressure and it's always nice to have coaches like I have and a teammate that can kind of relieve that pressure," Love said, "and you can kind of take a deep breath and go have dinner and have a good time with them."
After a 2.5 hour rain delay to start things off, Love shot a one-over par 71 Monday and a one-under 69 Tuesday to finish even par for the tournament with a 140 - the lowest individual state score for a Central boys' golfer in school history.
"Shooting that score and placing fourth at state has really meant a lot to me as an individual and as a CHS graduate," Love said. "Going to college, it's great to know I left a mark at my high school. Kind of gives me momentum going into my college career that I can turn on the lights when they need to be turned on. It's a great feeling. It's confidence boosting."
Love looks to leave another mark on another hometown school. He's been committed to golf at Missouri Western for some time, and he looks forward to a busy offseason to get himself ready.
He, along with LeBlond's Jeffrey Johnston, join a Griffons' program fresh off of its fifth NCAA tournament appearance over the last 16 years.
"It's such a privilege to be able to go play Division II golf and have a spot on a team after high school," he continued. "Being able to join a team where I can work well and build on my game and contribute to the team is such a great honor. I'm pumped and ready to go for the season."
Love had a successful summer circuit last year, earning Missouri Junior Tour Player of the Year honors with five victories. He'll compete in more individual tournaments this summer - once again, looking to leave a mark.
"This summer, I'm just going to really take the time to prepare myself for that collegiate level to get my game where it needs to be to compete at the next level."
You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.