by Rusty Ellis
Photos by Ben Craven / Herald-Citizen
Cookeville senior Brant Kardatzke made his commitment to Walters State official on Friday, as he signed his national letter of intent to join the golf program there upon graduation.
It’s an exciting day for Kardatzke, as he says he felt at home at Walters right away.
“I’m feeling great, I’m really excited to be going to (Walters State),” Kardatzke said. “It’s going to be really fun to play there and meet new people and progress my golfing career…Walters State was the better fit for me, and I’m going to get more opportunities there, I’m going to play more starting out there, and I’ll be able to show my ability on the course.”
CHS head coach Larry Pitts has seen Kardatzke’s game grow in his time at the high school level, and he believes he’s made a good decision for himself.
“I’ve known him before he was even in middle school,” Pitts said. “He wasn’t as big as a lot of guys, he didn’t hit it as far, but he kept working and working, and over the last couple of years, he was one of the most consistent players I had…he’ll be an asset when he gets to Walters State.”
And Pitts didn’t hesitate when asked if he thought his senior was ready.
“Oh he’s definitely ready, and I think he’ll be an immediate help to them,” Pitts said. “It’ll give him a chance to improve on his game while he’s there, and see what he wants to do from there…he’ll do fine, he’s got a great attitude and he’s really golf-smart. He manages himself around the golf-course really well.”
Kardatzke says he’s going to miss the friendships he cultivated while at Cookeville, but he’s also excited for what the future holds.
“I’m going to miss my teammates the most,” Kardatzke said. “I’m also really excited to meet my new teammates and get to know the guys, and have just as much fun as I did here, there.”