Warrior golfers look for state title
By ERIC CLARK
Sports Editor
In his nine years as head golf coach, Marion High School's Doug Dick said he has never had a more talented team than the team that will step foot on the greens this season. With three golfers returning after qualifying for state last season, Dick believes he has all the pieces to make a legitimate run at the Class 3A team title at Hesston.
"This is by far the best team I have ever had here," Dick said. "I have potentially three kids who should shoot low to mid-70s and others who will be in the 80 range. I believe we can compete with some of the better golf schools in state. I'm not scared of (the competition) this year. As far as we're concerned, I feel like we can compete with anyone. This will be a fun year."
Leading the way for the 11 Warrior golfers this season is Marion's perennial golf amateur Nickolas Hett. The senior has dominated Cottonwood Valley League opponents and competed at the state golf championship meet in the past two seasons. According to his coach, Hett, his No. 1 man, is the focal point of a possible run at the team title.
"He's going to have to play some of his best golf this season," Dick said about Hett. "We have, without a doubt, the toughest regional in the state. So Nickolas will be important. He's gotten better every year and has been consistent. I expect him to have it all put together (this year.)"
Along with Hett, senior Joe Svitak will anchor the Marion team. Svitak, the projected No. 4 man, enjoyed success last season with his first trip to the state championship. According to Dick, Svitak is showing signs of "coming on strong" this season.
"He's really started hitting the ball," Dick said. "I'm excited to see what he can do. I expect him to break 80 if he stays with it."
The other returning state qualifier is junior Trevor Jones. Jones is Marion's projected No. 2 man on the roster. Jones is among four juniors on the team.
"Trevor wasn't as consistent as we'd like him to be last season," Dick said. "But he appears to be more consistent this season already. He has a very smooth swing and should help us out a lot."
Nick Carlson, a junior, also will be an intricate part of the Warrior team. Dick said Carlson has been playing "some really good golf," and he expects the junior to step in and be a major contributor during this year's run at the title.
Dick also recognized juniors John Whitwell and Kevin Costello, as well as freshman Travis Hett as possible contributors.
"John is starting to find himself," Dick said. "He's absolutely crushing the ball. Kevin is learning and he'll be trying to give us a run for our money in the top spots. Travis is very good athlete and will be good at everything he decides to do. He'll just go out and do what needs to be done."
Several freshmen help round out the team's roster. Among them are Paul Hodson, Dustin Steele, Mitchell Neuwirth, and Casey Keazer.
