By Carole King
Baxter Springs High School’s Golf Coach Art Roberts knew exactly who to spotlight for up-and-coming players in 2025: Freshman Kenton ‘Cole’ Parrish.
“I have a standout freshman, Cole Parrish, who has won a couple tournaments and placed 2nd and 7th in the other 2,” Roberts says. “Cole is very intelligent, makes good grades, and is mature beyond his years. The sky’s the limit.”
Golf is Cole’s primary sport, with Track and Field as his second. His personal goals for Spring 2025 are high for both sports. “My personal goals for this year are to qualify for state in golf, and then to finish in the top 10,” Cole says. “My second goal would be to make the top 3 at our regional track meet, which would qualify me for state track in either the pole vault, triple jump, or the 4×100 meter relay.”
Cole’s dad, Tim Parrish, believes Cole has what it takes to reach his goals. “He works hard when people are not watching,” Tim says. “He listens to his coaches and plays as many sports as time allows. “Our son has been blessed with ability to do anything he puts his mind to. He is driven.”
Kenton ‘Cole’ Parrish spoke to VYPE SPORTS in a recent interview.
VYPE SPORTS: What has this sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
I would say that golf has taught me to never give up. There have been many times where my
swing wasn’t right, my chipping was off, or even my putting was terrible, but I always
persevered. Perseverance is key in life no matter what you do.
VYPE SPORTS: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?
The best advice anyone has given me is to practice more than you play. You can get better playing 18 holes a day but that is only a handful of each type of shot. I can go to the range and hit 2 or 3 buckets of balls working on the different types of shot I need to improve my game.
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite memory about your association with this team?
I would say my favorite memory with my team was when Dason Vonmoss (my teammate) hit his 3 wood to about 5 feet on hole 8, our only par 3 at our golf course. He ended up missing the putt but in his eyes the shot was the only thing that mattered.
VYPE SPORTS: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Even though our golf team is not the biggest around, we have a lot of hard workers which has left a huge impression on me. The one I am thinking of is Dason Vonmoss. Dason started the season as a brand-new golfer. Just over a month in I couldn’t tell he just started golfing last month. His improvements to his game have been truly amazing.
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite part of being a part of this team?
My favorite part of being on this team has been the memories we have made throughout the season, whether it was car rides to tournaments, practices, and even dinners after tournaments. I may forget specific shots I hit during the tournament, but I will never forget the memories I have and will be making along the way.
VYPE SPORTS: What clubs, community groups, or campus groups are you involved with and why?
At Baxter Springs High School, I participate in Spanish Club, Science Club, and FCA. I
participate in these clubs to hang out with friends and get closer to God.
VYPE SPORTS: What accolades (in any sport or non-athletic activity) are you most proud of?
I have had a lot of accomplishments throughout my years playing sports, but I am the proudest of earning a seventh-place medal at the AAU junior Olympics in pole vault in 2023.
VYPE SPORTS: Who or what inspires you and why?
My competition inspires. It doesn’t matter what sport I am playing. I never want to get out
worked.
VYPE SPORTS: Here is your chance to give a shout out or say thank you to anyone you wish.
Thank you, family, for all the trips to Tulsa for the U.S. Kids Golf tour over the years
