By KLINT SPILLER

kspiller@dailynews.net

Hays High boys' golf coach Mark Watts was realistic when he set a top-eight finish as a goal for state.

Though his team might not have played as well as he would have liked in some facets, his team delivered on the goal, finishing eighth at the Class 5A state golf tournament at Alvamar Golf Course in Lawrence.

Hays High shot 349, beating both the champion, Newton, and runner-up, Salina Central, from their regional. Newton and Salina Central finished ninth and 10th with scores of 350 and 366. Kapaun-Mt. Carmel won with a 313.

"It was a tough day, but our goal was to get in the top eight and we did that," Watts said.

Freshman Nathan Romme was the lone all-state golfer for Hays High, finishing in a nine-way tie for 19th with an 83.

Watts said he couldn't remember the last time a freshman boy has received all-state honors in golf.

"(Romme) kept it out of trouble," Watts said. "He was able to keep his composure."

Senior Aaron Stewart, who finished second at the regional last week, was just one stroke away from all-state honors, tying for 28th with an 84. Stewart had a solid front nine but struggled on the back nine, shooting a 40 and 44.

Watts said he was disappointed his senior missed out on a top-20 finish.

SDLqHe carried us most of the year," Watts said.

Sophomores Lane Clark and Kaden Beilman tied for 58th with a 91, and junior Ryan Unruh tied for 66th with a 92.

Freshman Cash Hobson shot a 95. Watts said experiencing the big-time pressures of the state meet will be beneficial for his young squad.

"That was a goal to get top eight and we did it, and we got some experience to bring back next year," Watts said.