Neenah takes pride in its sports or academic victories, and golf is no exception. Senior Sam Galloway took first place in the WIAA Boys’ State Golf tournament on June 9.

Although humble to discuss his level of success, Galloway greatly appreciates his accomplishment. He is thrilled to have secured the championship as a junior.

“It’s nice to know I’ve done it before, so I can do it again.” Galloway’s confidence and determination shows high hopes for the following season.

Confidence and determination, however, are not the only things needed to take state for the second time. Galloway remembers the time he did a demonstration speech sophomore year, and explains how this and other forms of practice will help him prepare for the upcoming season. He advises that preparation is his key for all of this:  “I had a mindset in the beginning of the year that everything was gonna be a process, that is was all going to build up to the state tournament.”

Galloway has been playing golf since he was six and became a dedicated golfer when he was 10. Golf’s relaxing nature and atmosphere caused him to pursue this sport.  The sport, however, is still physically and mentally strenuous, forcing him to remain in good athletic health in able to do well. He plays is any sort of weather for great lengths at a time, constantly challenging him to push forward and win the game, as he eventually did with the state championship.

State, however, is not the ending point to Galloway’s career as a golfer; he plans on playing golf in college as well and already has a couple schools in mind. Although his passion for golf is intense, his wish for a good education comes first in his decision to find a college that fits.

“I’m able to focus on my academics, but still compete at a high level,” he said, explaining his wish for a balance between his love for golf and his education and future.