Golfers strive
to return to state
Contributing writer
Goessel High School golfers placed fifth out of twelve teams at a tough Highlands Golf Course last year in the 1A state tournament. Goessel seniors Trey Schmidt, Dan Smucker, and Tyler Schulz return to lead the Bluebirds on a quest for a return to state this season.
Last year, Schmidt earned 15th place at state out of 87 players. Other letter-winners from last season are junior Reece Hiebert and sophomore Lucas Hiebert. Additional seniors are Garrett Woelk, Johanna Hoffman, and exchange student Martina Filippi.
“With only three people returning from last year’s state team, we have the opportunity for younger golfers to step into a varsity role,” said coach Chad Lindeman. “The varsity spots will change from meet to meet as we meet the challenge to find the right group to go into the post season.”
Seventeen golfers are on the roster as the season begins. Six junior varsity tournaments are on the schedule to allow some of the first year players to gain experience. The season begins with a meet at Herington April 2 and then one at Hillsboro April 5.
“This year we are focusing on the mental part of the game,” Lindeman said. “Our golfers need to handle a bad shot and not let it ruin their day.”
According to the Kansas State High School Athletics Association web site, the 1A state golf tournament will be May 20 at Emporia.
SCHEDULE
- April 2 @ Herington 1:00 p.m.
- April 4 JV@ Herington 3:00 p.m.
- April 5 @ Hillsboro 3:00 p.m.
- April 9 @ Minneapolis 3:00 p.m.
- April 9 JV @ North Newton-Peabody 3:00 p.m.
- April 11 JV@ Wedgwood – Burrton 3:00 p.m.
- April 15 @ Eldorado/ Bluestem 2:00 p.m.
- (Prairie Trails Country Club)
- April 18 JV @ Hesston 1:00 p.m.
- April 22 @ Pretty Prairie 3:00 p.m.
- April 25 @ North Newton-Sedgwick 3:00 p.m.
- April 26 JV @ Pine Edge 4:00 p.m.
- April 30 @ Marion 3:00 p.m.
- May 6 WSL-HOPL Golf Challenge 1:00 p.m.
- May 9 JV @ Wedgwood (Burrton) 3:00 p.m.
- May 13 Regionals, tba
- May 20 State, tba