I once took a history test. I studied, reviewed my notes, thought I did everything I could to prepare. First question. Blank. Second question. Worse. By the time I turned in my paper I was ready to write off the whole semester. Figured it would blow my GPA.

Two days later the paper comes back with a note: See me after class. I expected a lecture. Instead, the teacher slides the test across the desk, circles three missed questions, and says, “This is where you actually started learning it.” I was disappointed with my performance. Looking back, it was a lesson I needed to help me refocus my efforts.

Pipestone did not give the Warriors the day we wanted in the SWBL Tournament. Braden Fleming led with an 83. Logan Denhardt and Jackson Taylor each shot 98. Jax Mangin carded a 99. The team total was 378 and an 8th place finish.

While the scores were above average, there were still bright spots. Braden earned SWBL second team honors. Braden birdied the par-4 ninth. Jax birdied the par-4 fifth. Ethan started with a birdie on the par-4 first. Those shots count.

Golf, like a test that goes sideways, will sometimes hand you a tough round. Character is not the grade on that paper or the number on a scorecard. It's how you respond to those times when circumstances aren't as you wish they were. That's the thing about golf. There's the next shot, the next hole, and the next round. This one will make us stronger as the season continues next week with home matches against SWBL opponents Monroe on Monday and Carlisle on Thursday.

Go Warriors!