Colby Golf Opens Season at Buffalo Dunes, Finley Highlights Strong JV Showing
April 6, 2026
The Colby High School golf team opened its season with a challenging test and a promising showing, competing at the varsity level in Garden City before hosting a large junior varsity field later in the week.
The Eagles began their season April 6 at Buffalo Dunes Golf Course, widely regarded as one of the most difficult layouts in western Kansas. Add in heavy winds, and conditions quickly turned into a true early-season measuring stick.
“Buffalo Dunes was windy,” head coach Rick Williams said. “We battled the tough wind and course well. I felt like our scores were a good place to start.”
Colby finished sixth as a team with a 373, competing against a deep field that included several established programs. Leading the way for the Eagles was Kaleb Dixon, who carded an 88 to finish tied for 14th overall. Kade Youngman followed closely with an 89, while Kieren Youngman added a 97.
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One of the biggest milestones of the day came from Cash Tubbs, who posted a 99 — breaking 100 in competition for the first time in his career. It marked a significant step forward for the junior as he continues to develop at the varsity level.
Williams also pointed to the effort of Sean Wederski, who turned in a 124 in his first-ever tournament.
“I was also proud of the way Sean Wederski competed in his first ever golf tourney,” Williams said. “He just started golfing a few weeks ago.”
Beyond individual performances, the depth of the roster stood out early.
“We have a lot more depth than we had last year and that was helpful at Dunes,” Williams added.
That depth was on full display just days later when Colby hosted its JV Invitational on April 9 at Meadow Lake Golf Course.
The tournament featured nearly 60 golfers, creating a competitive environment for younger and developing players. Colby finished sixth as a team with a 202, but the highlight of the day came from the top of the leaderboard.
Legend Finley delivered one of the best performances of the meet, firing a 43 to earn medalist honors in a playoff. Finley’s win was even more impressive considering he defeated a varsity-level golfer who had recently placed sixth at a varsity tournament.
“Legend Finley played great and won the tourney,” Williams said.
Behind Finley, several Eagles showed strong development. Blaine Wagoner posted a 51 to finish tied for 18th, showing what Williams described as significant improvement from last season. Laken Sharpe added a 52 in his first competitive round, while Kiptyn Glassman carded a 56 — both contributing solid debuts for the program.
“We had a bunch of guys play well in their first ever golf tourney led by Laken Sharpe and Kiptyn Glassman,” Williams said.
The JV event also highlighted the growing numbers within the program, something that could pay dividends as the season progresses.
Through the first week, the Eagles showed a combination of experienced leadership and emerging talent. From battling harsh conditions at Buffalo Dunes to hosting a large and competitive JV field, Colby’s opening stretch provided a clear indication of progress.
With improved depth and multiple golfers already hitting early milestones, the foundation appears to be in place for continued growth as the season moves forward.