With full expectations for making a state championship run, the MacArthur High School boys golf team began its season on the right track with a tournament win at their home tournament, the Highlander Invitational, played at the Fort Sill Golf Club on March 30, thanks to a pair of great rounds from senior Cooper Watson and junior Karter Seals.
Led by senior and Baylor University commit Cooper Watson, the Highlanders are looking to make a run at the OSSAA 5A State Championship in 2026 with a loaded group that finished 13th last season at the end of the year event. Watson, who finished eighth in the State Tournament last season, had a great offseason and is ready to compete for an individual title in May. Along with his new teammate, junior Karter Seals, fellow senior Kel Manning, and juniors Cam Manning and Braxton Murray, the MAC and their head coach, Michael Pooschke are ready to prove they are one of the top teams in the state.
At their home tournament, Watson retained his title (winner in 2025), but this time did it with a 6-under 66 thanks to an incredible front-9 score. The future Bear birdied the first two holes and then eagled number-3 after just missing out on a two, hitting the flag on his second shot on the par-5. After making par on number-4, Watson earned another eagle on five and then added one more birdie to record a 30 on the front-9 holes. He added three more birdies on the back of the course to finish the tournament with the low-round of 66.
Watson was being challenged by the player who finished second the whole round, luckily for Pooschke, that was Seals, who finished second in the tournament with a 5-under 67. Seals had an awesome score card as well, recording just one bogey during the 18-hole round to go along with four birdies and an eagle to give him his second-place score.
“We have a great group, and I really think we have a shot to compete for a State Championship this season,” said Pooschke. “When Cooper and Karter play like they did today, it sets the table for the rest of the team. Kel and Cam Manning have been playing consistently, and they all know if they come out and play solid golf, with limited mistakes, we will be right up there at the top of most leaderboards.”
MacArthur also got a pair of top-20 scores from the Manning brothers. Kel Manning finished in 12th place with a 77 with four birdies on his card, while Cam Manning finished in 20th place with a score of 80. Murray rounded out the group of five with a 97. Seniors Gunner Tate and Shaun Hughes, junior Garrett Justice, and sophomore James Frasier also competed for the Highlanders.
As a team, the Highlanders outlasted Carl Albert by nine strokes, shooting a 299. Elgin finished in third place, and Duncan and Cache rounded out the top-5 teams.
Eisenhower High School had three athletes competing at the tournament, led by sophomore Jake Herbert, who shot an 85 and placed in the top-35. Maxwell Emerson (SO) and Alexander Durham (FR) shot 125 and 140.
Following their home tournament, the boys have continued their success, winning at the Ardmore Shootout with Seals, Watson, and Kel Manning finishing in the top-6 individually. MAC then finished third at the Plainview Invitational, with Watson tying for first and Seals placing sixth individually. Most recently, Watson placed second individually at the Edmond North Husky Invite.
Pooschke’s group will face their toughest competition when they compete at the OSSAA 5A West Regional in Duncan on April 27, which will be followed by the OSSAA 5A State Tournament taking place on May 11-12 at the Shangri-La Resort Golf Course.