Wichita ? Lawrence High coach Ron Commons’ theory of switching golfers in his lineup was as simple as dumping a bucket of balls on the driving range.

With enough practice, Commons figured, an LHS golfer surely could find his stroke. By tinkering, Commons has found his ideal lineup for today’s Class 6A state golf meet at Wichita’s Rolling Hills Country Club.

“Individually, we had one or two people I shuffled in different tournaments throughout the season in hopes that at the end we could find six that would play well,” Commons said. “I think we finally found that.”

It sure looked that way at last week’s regional when the Lions  who today will try to win the school’s first state golf title since 1983  took second place behind five players who shot a 79 or lower.

Sophomore Nathaniel Spencer led the way with a score of 74 to finish fifth. Senior Spencer Wilson finished eighth after a playoff. Commons said both had a shot at the individual crown.

“They have a lot going for them,” he said. “(Spencer) is nice and relaxed and since he wasn’t regional champion he won’t have that added pressure of playing in the last group.

“Wilson, I think, played well at regionals and he’s also capable of having a hot day.”

While LHS has the possibility of winning both the individual and team titles, Free State High has one shot at glory  lone qualifier Aaron Webber.

“Were hoping so,” FSHS coach Jack Schreiner said of Webber winning it all. “Every year we’ve had a state medalist, so that’s our main focus, but you never know what could happen on that one day.”

The Lions left on Sunday so that they could play a practice round. Some of the Lions have played Rolling Hills before, though.

“You still have to go out there and get it done,” Commons said. “And our kids really like to get out there and hit it down the middle and try to make their putts.”

Spencer said although it had taken time finally to get the right lineup in place, he believed if everyone plays well the Lions would bring back the state trophy.

“I have a good vibe about it,” Spencer said. “I think I’ve gotten all of my bad rounds out of me and I’m just ready for that last tournament.”

City Tee Times

8:30 a.m. Â Jon Moseley, LHS

9:30 Â Cameron Flanders, LHS

9:50 Â Tom Fullbright, LHS

10 a.m. Â Zach Blevins, LHS

10:20 Â Aaron Webber, FSHS

10:40 Â Spencer Wilson, LHS

11:10 Â Nathaniel Spencer, LHS