Athlete Interview: Dusty Barton

By Mary Jo Cotter

CE: What first got you interested in golf?
DB: My grandfather, otherwise known as Duane “Bart” Barton.

CE: How long have you played golf?
DB: Competitively, since the seventh grade.

CE: How would you sum up this last golf season?
DB: It was a real roller coaster ride. I got real unlucky, and lost a couple of tough matches. But played exceptionally well in the post season at pre-districts and districts.

CE: How did you qualify for districts?
DB: I had a bad front nine at pre-districts, but put together a strong back nine. I finished with a 79 which meant I place 15th in field of 142. Only 50 of those qualified.

CE: Was it hard work qualifying for districts?
DB: I put myself into deep hole early. But, I knew I could easily make the cut with no sweat.

CE: Does the team have a good outlook for next year?
DB: Honestly, no, not really. The team is losing five starting seniors (Brent Keyes, Craig Soden, Kirk Fallon, Matt Parsons, and myself), out of six. The sixth being Aaron Soden.

CE: Is there anyone whose helped you in you success at golf?
DB: Well there is several people. First, my grandpa, then my best friend and teammate Kirk Fallon, and my lifting partner Justin Ross. They all have helped in different ways.

CE: Why do you play golf?
DB: Even though I have to grind hard to shoot my best round possible, I find golf fun and it relieves some of my stress.

CE: Is golf you favorite sport? Why or why not?
DB: I would say yes because I’m just amazing at it.

CE: What other activities do you participate in?
DB: I bowl, play volleyball, and I enjoy ATV riding. I also spend some time hunting and fishing.

CE: What will you miss the most about your high school golf years?
DB: I will miss my Coach Ficarro, and my teammates. We have had four great years together.

CE: What will you miss the least about you high school golf years?
DB: The Wilson Black Jack golf balls, because I found them inadequate for a player of my standard.