Led by All-State senior James Inman’s 149 (tied for 12th), the golf Rocks finished fourth in the Leachman Buick-GMC-Cadillac/KHSAA State Championships. The Rocks (618) edged Bowling Green and placed behind St. Xavier, McCracken County and Franklin County. Other Trinity golfers were Grant Hummel, Jake Mattingly, Zach Mattingly and Ryan Murr.

The Rock golfers, who competed at state for the first time in seven years, were coached for the second year by Mike Brumfield, a graduate from Morehead State University and hall of fame member at MSU.

Brumfield said, “It is an honor to coach these men, and to make it to state just made it that much better. I live and die with the kids’ shots.  My main objective as a coach is to make the kids better at what they do.”

Senior leadership was important this season.  Junior Nick Washle said, “They (the seniors) showed the real definition of men of character on and off the course.”

The seniors were Inman, Zach Mattingly, Jake Mattingly and Hummel.  Hummel said, “It was fun competing with the same teammates for four years straight. We all have good chemistry and we know each other really well. You have to help the underclassmen because you want them to be successful in the future.”

Of the team’s chemistry, Washle said, “At the end of the day, we are relying on each other to put up the scores to make a good team score.”

To be successful next season, Brumfield said, “It is all a mental approach.  It depends on how much the players want it.  If they are willing to put in the work, there is no doubt in my mind that we can be great.”

Washle said, “I can definitely see us making state next year.  I see it every day.  Everyone is pushing everyone and that’s making all the guys better.”

All-State for this Trinity Senior

At the age of three, this young prodigy started playing golf.  With the helping hand of his father, Trinity senior James Inman found a hidden talent at a young age and never quit on it.  He said, “Golf has and always will be a big part in my life.”

Inman continued with his passion and went on to win his first tournament at the age of 10. He capped off his Trinity career by tying for 12th at state and being chosen as a member of the Kentucky Golf All-State team. Of this honor, Inman said, “I am grateful just because all the hard work I put in this year paid off.”

He mentioned that this year was a big transition year because colleges are starting to give out scholarships.  He said, “I always kind of knew that I would make the team.  I was one of the top 10 golfers all year, but I am still honored.”

Inman said his dad has always been a big influence on his golfing career, but his professional role model is Arnold Palmer.  Inman said, “He (Palmer) would always stay humble and respect his peers and the audience around him.”

He said that motivation is a big part of golf.  You need to be focused when you are on the course and have a great passion for the game.  “My motivation is to be a great golfer and make it to the college level. The mental aspect of the game is a big part of how you play, and that part of my game has definitely improved the most.”

Inman said golf is not for everyone. You have to become accustomed to the style of the game and love it.  “Golf is so interesting to me because there is always room for improvement,” he said.

Inman tries not to remember how to play the game with sportsmanship. “The All-State team is a tremendous honor. A big reason why I was chosen was because of the way I conduct myself on the course and with my surroundings.”