When Hobart High School golfer Ethan Funkhouser takes the course this year for his first tournament, he will be focused on making his sophomore season his best effort to date. As a freshman, Funkhouser missed making the state tournament by the thinnest of margins.

“What I’m looking forward to most this season is state. I missed going to state as a freshman last year as an individual by one stroke and really want to go this year,” said Funkhouser.

With other sports and activities taking up a lot of his time, Funkhouser said working on his game is a priority and he feels he is improving in an important area.

“I play football, basketball, and power-lift. I am in junior Main Street (a club that helps around the town where it’s needed) and student council,” said Funkhouser. “I think the most improved thing in my game since last year is my irons. They have slowly become more consistent and accurate.”

In his fourth year of golf, Funkhouser said he loves the game and his teammates.

“The thing I love most about golf is the competitive nature of it and how it’s mostly a mental game,” said Funkhouser. “What I love most about my team and teammates is how when I’m down and not playing my best they are there to pick me up.”

It’s still early to consider college, but Funkhouser is looking ahead and considering Oklahoma State University as his school of choice.

“I don’t really have a favorite subject in school, but if I had to choose it’d be math probably. My favorite teacher in school is Mrs. Quintero, my English teacher,” said Funkhouser.

The sophomore said his mother is a big influence in his life.

“She is always pushing me to try and be the best I can be.”