By KLINT SPILLER

kspiller@dailynews.net

Thomas More Prep-Marian senior Kelton Schuckman said the Class 3A state golf tournament is a big one. Not just because it is the biggest of the year, but because for many of the golfers, it could be the last one.

"This is potentially our last big tournament where it counts for the rest of our lives," Schuckman said. "We are excited and looking forward to it and plan to give it our best."

The Class 3A state golf tournament is Monday at Sugar Hills Golf Course. Play begins at 9 a.m.

The Monarchs have won their past three meets, including the Class 3A regional tournament at Russell.

Schuckman said continuing that streak will be difficult with the quality of the teams at the state meet, but not impossible.

Schuckman said TMP Coach Bryan VonFeldt gave his golfers a list of scores needed to compete for a state title at the beginning of the year and showed it to them again this week.

"(With the exception of senior Brady Rohr who is hitting his mark) every single one of us needs to shoot five or six strokes better than we have been all year, which is definitely doable, but we've got to stay focused and get it done," Schuckman said.

TMP plays at Goodland every year, so Schuckman said the team is experienced with the course. However, he said they still will play a practice round today there.

TMP finished fifth at state last season.

"Everybody goes into state with more desire, knowing this is the last one and knowing we've been working all year to get to this point," Schuckman said. "There's definitely more pressure to play your best at the last meet of the season. Everybody is more focused."

Hecker looks for top finish

Russell senior Jordan Hecker had a difficult time on the back nine at the Class 3A regional tournament on his home course and finished third with an 81.

However, he said he plans to turn it around at the state meet in Goodland.

"I've practiced hard all week," Hecker said. "Hopefully, I can make a couple more pars than I did on Monday. Monday kind of fell apart and got away from me, and I'm going to try to put the pieces back together for state."

Hecker shot an 85 at the Class 4A state tournament last year and tied for 22nd.

However, Hecker consistently shoots in the 70s, so he could be a top finisher at state this year.

"I'm sure everybody there has the goal to win," he said. "I heard it's going to be windy, so I'm going to try to keep it down the middle and make a bunch of pars. By the end of the tournament, hopefully I'll be the in top five maybe."