JEFF FIELDER Editor
KIMBALL – Payton Wise, a sophomore on Kimball High School’s girls golf team, is this week’s Nspire Today! Female Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Wise won the Class C, District 5 Golf Tournament in McCook this past week with an 88, qualifying her for the state tournament for the second straight year. The Class C state tournament is Monday and Tuesday in North Platte. She also competes in basketball and track & field. Last year as a freshman, Wise placed third at districts and 12th at state. Her parents are Chad and Jennifer Wise.
Q: How thrilling was it to win the district championship?
WISE: “It was a really good feeling. It was neat to see how proud my mom and dad were.”
Q: What was your goal going into the district tournament?
WISE: “I was hoping to beat my best score, which is a 77. I didn’t beat that, but I’m still proud that I shot under 90.”
Q: Were you pleased with how you played throughout the tournament?
WISE: “I started off really well, but then when I started the back nine, it kind of started to go downhill. I was able to bring it back up, though.”
Q: How nervous were you at the district tournament?
WISE: “When I first started, I was really, really nervous, but then I got used to being there, so I felt more comfortable.”
Q: Had you played on that golf course before?
WISE: “No.”
Q: How challenging was that course?
WISE: “It’s a very hard course. It’s probably the hardest golf course I’ve ever played on. It’s super hilly, and there’s a lot of trouble spots.”
Q: How did the rest of the team do at districts?
WISE: “They did really well. I was proud of them.” Editor’s note: Kimball’s Katie Heeg also qualified for state.
Q: What is your goal for this year’s state tournament?
WISE: “I’m hoping to get into the top five.”
Q: How excited are you for your second state tournament?
WISE: “I’m really excited because I feel like I can do pretty well.”
Q: What’s been the biggest key to your success this season?
WISE: “My dad [Chad Wise, the golf pro at Four Winds Golf Course in Kimball]. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. He’s really helped me with my swing.”
Q: Do you feel like you still have a lot of room to improve as a golfer?
WISE: “Yes. I could definitely shave off some strokes.”
Q: What do you feel is the strongest part of your golf game?
WISE: “My driving.”
Q: What part of your game do you feel needs the most improvement?
WISE: “My putting.”
Q: When did you start playing golf?
WISE: “I started when I was about 5 years old.”
Q: Do you watch a lot of golf on TV?
WISE: “No, not really.”
Q: Do you have a favorite golfer?
WISE: “Tiger Woods.”
Q: What are your golf goals for the rest of your high school career?
WISE: “I would like to be a four-year state medalist, and I would like to win state at least once.”
Q: Have you started thinking yet about 7what you would like to do after you graduate from high school?
WISE: “My goal is to get a full ride [scholarship] to a four-year college and play golf.”
Q: You also compete in basketball and track. Which sport is your favorite?
WISE: “I would probably say basketball because I’m very competitive, and it’s the most fun for me.”
Q: What other activities are you involved in at school?
WISE: “I’m in Show Choir and the group called KPC (Kimball Prevention Coalition).”
Q: Outside of your school activities, what do you like to do for fun?
WISE: “I mainly just play sports.”
Q: Have you lived in Kimball your whole life?
WISE: “No. I was born in Denver, and we moved to Kimball when I was 3 years old.”
Q: Have you enjoyed growing up in Kimball?
WISE: “Yes. I like that it’s small enough that we all know each other. It’s like a little family.”
Q: What’s the coolest place to hang out in Kimball?
WISE: “Probably Gotte Park. That’s where we all hang out.”
Q: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
WISE: “Country.”
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
WISE: “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Q: What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?
WISE: “Disney World.”
Q: Up to this point in your educational career, which teacher do you feel has made the biggest influence on you?
WISE: “Chauncey Pedersen. He’s always there to talk to. He’s one of my biggest supporters.”
Q: Name one person who you feel is a big difference-maker in the Kimball community.
WISE: “Carli Wurdeman. She’s a senior. People look up to her because she’s really, really smart, and she has everything figured out. Also, she does a lot of stuff for the school.“
Q: In your opinion, who is the kindest person at Kimball High School this school year?
WISE: “I think Riley Hinton. She’s a sophomore. I’ve grown up with her, and she’s always been the nicest person. She’s always there for everyone. She’ll do anything for you.”
Q: If you could give a shoutout to one business in Kimball, which one would it be?
WISE: “Probably Clean Harbors because they help with a lot of fundraisers for our school.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Kimball?
WISE: “Pizza Hut. I love Pizza Hut.”
Q: What do you like to order there?
WISE: “I get mild Buffalo wings.”
Q: Who are your siblings?
WISE: “Dillon, 18, and Breckin, 5.”
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?
WISE: “I would also like to say ‘thank you’ to my mom for always coming and supporting me.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865.
In addition to being recognized online, athletes of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865. If you would like to increase your subscription to $20, Nspire Today! will donate the extra $5 in October to the Panhandle Humane Society.
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