The Burlington Wildcats aren’t just participating in the 2026 golf season—they are dominating it. Under Head Coach Dirk Over and Assistant Julie Carden, the Wildcats have transformed their depth into a collection of tournament trophies and a high-profile league title.
Competing at the Class 3A level, Burlington has proven it can handle the pressure of both invitationals and championship-style play.
Pioneer League Champions
The highlight of the 2025 season came at the Rock Creek Country Club, where Burlington secured the Pioneer League Championship. It was a total team effort that saw the Wildcats navigate the challenging course better than the rest of the field.
The championship lineup featured a mix of veteran leadership and rising talent:
- Kasten Payer: Led the Wildcats with a stellar 3rd-place individual finish.
- Ty Steffens: Cracked the top ten with a strong 6th place finish.
- Lane Griffith, Ryan Hoyt, Sage Fejfar, and Bodey Cheever rounded out the championship squad, providing the consistent scoring needed to take home the league plaque.
Tournament Dominance: From Fredonia to Council Grove
The Wildcats’ success hasn’t been limited to league play. The team showed off their “pack scoring” mentality at the Fredonia Tournament, where they didn’t just win—they took over the leaderboard. In an incredible display of depth, six Burlington golfers finished in the top 10:
| Player | Score | Place |
| Ryan Hoyt | 83 | 3rd |
| Bodey Cheever | 83 | 4th |
| Sage Fejfar | 90 | 7th |
| Ty Steffens | 91 | 8th |
| Kaston Payer | 92 | 9th |
| Lane Griffith | 92 | 10th |
Earlier in the season, the team also showcased its potential by taking home 2nd place at the Council Grove Tournament, proving it can travel to unfamiliar greens and still post competitive numbers.
The Road to State
With a League Championship already in the trophy case and a roster that can put six players in the top ten on any given Tuesday, the Wildcats are the team to watch. With leaders like Ryan Hoyt, Bodey Cheever, and Sawyer Dunaway continuing to find the bottom of the cup, a deep run in the Class 3A state tournament is well within reach.
