Marion golfer qualifies for state

In his first and final year golfing for Marion High School, senior Ryan Cochran shot a 98 to place ninth of 39 golfers Monday at regionals in Marion and qualify for the 3A state golf tournament.

“Ryan has worked as hard as or harder than any golfer we’ve ever had,” principal Tod Gordon said. “It is exciting to see him succeed.”

Gordon said Cochran qualified by getting the fifth of five spots set aside for golfers whose teams did not place in the top two at their regional.

Devin Soyez shot 99 to place 10th but barely missed qualifying for state, Gordon said.

Marion placed sixth of seven teams with a team score of 452.

Grant Leffler placed 28th with a 115, Hap Waddell was 38th with a 140, and Rowen Fay was 39th with a 178.

Cochran will compete Tuesday at Independence Country Club.