BOYS
CENTURY
Coach: Jeff Wells, 18th season.
Postseason results:Finished second in Big Nine, fourth in Section 1AAA.
Last season's team stroke average: Not provided.
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Who's gone: C.J. Fritcher, Chris Captain (Class AAA state champion), Matt Boeker and Ben Farley.
Top returners: Senior Nick Evans and sophomore Nick Cunningham. Both are captains.
Newcomers expected to make an impact:Garrett Larson, Bryan Koehler, Christian Olheiser, Jared Bakken, Connor Downs and Sam Eischen.
Team expectations:Improve throughout the season, play best golf at end of year.
Working on:Experience. Only two golfers on roster with varsity experience.
Coach Wells' thoughts:"We have only two golfers with varsity experience, plus six other golfers from last year's team. We have 13 new golfers this year, which is a very nice increase in numbers. ... About a dozen of the golfers have not played a qualifying round, so we have no idea what to expect as an 18-hole score, although they appear to be athletic and have great attitudes. We will know a lot more after a couple of weeks on the course and a couple of meets. ... We are in a rebuilding mode for the first time at Century. The boys have great attitudes and have shown a tremendous interest in learning. I look for the Panthers to improve as the season continues and become a competitive team."
ROSTER
Seniors — Nicholas Evans, Bryan Koehler and Garrett Larson. Juniors —Jared Bakken, Aden Homard, Griffin Rock and Colin Sawyer. Sophomores —Nicholas Cunningham, Connor Downs, Samuel Eischen, Owen Jensen, Jacob Nelson, Zach Nelson, Christian Olheiser, Jack Ommen and John Schmitz. Freshmen —Samuel Anderson, Aaron Mead, Noah Powell, Ryan Richard and Hunter Warfield.
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SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Eastwood Golf Course unless noted.)
April 14 — Mayo, 2:30 p.m.
April 20 —at Mankato West, 2:30 p.m.
April 21 —Albert Lea, East, 2:30 p.m.
April 22 —at Mayo Invitational, 1 p.m.
April 28 —at Owatonna (with Red Wing), 2:30 p.m.
May 5 —at Winona (with Austin), 2:30 p.m.
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May 7 —Lourdes, 2:30 p.m.
May 11 —at Tom Murphy All-City Classic (RG&CC), noon.
May 14 —at Northfield quad, 3 p.m.
May 18 —at Big Nine meet (Faribault), 10 a.m.
May 26 —at Winona Invitational, 1 p.m.
May 30-June 1 —Section 1AAA meet (The Jewel), noon.
JOHN MARSHALL
Coach: Dwight Miller, 12th season.
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Postseason results:Advanced to Day Two of Section 1AAA meet.
Last season's team stroke average: Not provided.
Who's gone: Team did not lose any seniors.
Top returners: Ross Faber, Brady Dahl, Noah Antes, Jay Lebeck and Sam Wageman.
Newcomers expected to make an impact:Ben Frick, Liam Higgins, Drew Becker, Jakob Mattern, Cameron Higgins, J.P. Neumann, Conner Lee, Riley Sammon, Romeo Vilai and Jewell Larsen.
Team expectations:With hard work and improvement throughout season, team can finish in top three or four in Big Nine.
Working on:Finding consistency from final two varsity spots. Need younger players to step up and fill
Coach Miller's thoughts:"I am looking forward to good season. I like to see my top five players returning. You can't beat experience in golf. Every year the guys come back bigger, stronger and smarter. ... These boys have now seen most of the courses in the Big Nine and can talk strategy amongst themselves. This builds strong team chemistry. This makes my job as their coach a lot of fun. ... I saw many of the JM guys out on the course over the summer, many playing in PGA and USGA events. It's encouraging to see the boys really wanting to compete and work on their games. They are a competitive group of young men. ... We always have tough competition in our section, but I think we can really be a factory this year. Individually, Ross, Brady, Jay, Noah and Sam could all contend for a trip to state. I can't wait for the season to begin."
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ROSTER
Seniors — Romeo Vilai and Ross Faber. Juniors —Andrew Becker, Brady Dahl, Conner Lee, Jakob Mattern, Jay Lebeck and Samuel Wageman. Sophomores —Benjamin Frick, Cade Larsen, Cameron Higgins, Chandler Stortz, J.P. Neumann, Liam Higgins, Noah Antes and Riley Sammon. Freshmen —Benjamin Grimm and Jewell Larsen. Eighth-graders —Eric Eagen, Jackson Smith, Lucas Wiest, Parker Schultz and Timothy Wageman.
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Northern Hills.)
April 9 — Lourdes, 3:30 p.m.
April 14 —at Winona, 2:30 p.m.
April 16 —Albert Lea, 2:30 p.m.
April 21 —Mayo, Red Wing, 2:30 p.m.
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April 22 —at Mayo Invitational, 1 p.m.
April 23 —at Byron (with Lourdes), 3:30 p.m.
April 27 —at Austin (with East), 2:30 p.m.
April 30 —at New Prague Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 6 —at Lake City Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 8 —at Mankato West (with Owatonna), 2:30 p.m.
May 11 —at Tom Murphy All-City Classic (RG&CC), noon.
May 14 —at Northfield quad, 3 p.m.
May 18 —at Big Nine meet (Faribault), 10 a.m.
May 26 —at Winona Invitational, 1 p.m.
May 30-June 1 —Section 1AAA meet (The Jewel), noon.
MAYO
Coach: Kirk Thompson, first season.
Postseason results:Finished sixth in Big Nine, seventh in Section 1AAA.
Last season's team stroke average: 340.
Who's gone: Blake Riess, Andrew Desorcie and Nathan Witte.
Top returners: Grant Coleman (78 stroke average, all-conference, state entrant two seasons ago), Ian Christiansen (88), Jackson Edwards (89) and John Hartert (89).
Newcomers expected to make an impact:Connor Lang, Mike VonWald, Steve VonWald and Max Fierro.
Team expectations:Improvement throughout the season.
Working on:Getting players to adjust their swings to where they need to be to shoot low scores.
Coach Thompson's thoughts:"I am excited to be the new Mayo boys golf coach. I think we have golfers who really want to learn and improve."
ROSTER
Seniors — Ian Christiansen and Grant Coleman. Juniors —Jackson Edwards, John Hartert, Joseph Hornsby, Connor Lang, Mike VonWald and Steve VonWald. Sophomores —Max Fierro and Sam Johnson. Freshman —Micah Harber. Eighth-grader —Austin Wiltgen.
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Eastwood.)
April 14 — at Century, 2:30 p.m.
April 16 —at Decorah (Iowa) Invitational, 1 p.m.
April 21 —at John Marshall (with Red Wing), 2:30 p.m.
April 22 —Mayo Invitational, 1 p.m.
April 27 —at Byron Invitational, 11 a.m.
April 28 —West, Northfield, 2:30 p.m.
April 30 —at Red Wing Invitational, noon.
May 5 —at Mankato East (with Faribault), 2:30 p.m.
May 6 —at Lake City Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 11 —at Tom Murphy All-City Classic (RG&CC), noon.
May 12 —at Owatonna quad, 2:30 p.m.
May 14 —Winona, 2:30 p.m.
May 18 —at Big Nine meet (Faribault), 10 a.m.
May 30-June 1 —at Section 1AAA meet (The Jewel), TBD.
LOURDES
Coach: Chris Miller, ninth season.
Postseason results:Placed third in HVL, fourth in Section 1AA meet.
Last season's team stroke average: 327.
Who's gone: Robert Simari, Will Aksamit and Cody Cossette.
Top returners: Josh Fritzjunker (82 stroke average, state qualifier), Peter Alexander (84), Jack Thayer (83), John Paul Becker (85), Stephen Benner (86), Patrick Dearani (87) and Luke Alexander (82, All-HVL).
Newcomers expected to make an impact:Matthew Ludowese, Charlies Hanzel and Peter Thayer.
Team expectations:Keep improving as season progresses. Can contend for HVL title and section title.
Working on:Short game. Team has loads of experience and an incredible love of the game, but to be successful at the next level will need to improve all areas of short game.
Coach Miller's thoughts:"As always, the kids are ready to go and I am looking forward to another fun season. We have several kids out this year that will have a strong chance to play for the varsity team. The rounds within the team should be very competitive. This can only help our play and focus each round. With more experienced players back this season, I hope this will help make a big difference in lowering our scoring average from last season. We have a great schedule once again this year and we are looking forward to the challenges ahead."
ROSTER
Seniors — David Amirahmadi, Anthony Becker, Wyatt Beito, Carter Butterfield, Connor Greguson, Edward Hugo and Matthew Ludowese. Juniors —Peter Alexander, Josh Fritzjunker and Jack Thayer. Sophomores —John Paul Becker, Sean Egan, Stephen Benner, Patrick Dearani and Charlie Hanzel. Freshmen —Zach Angst and Ryan Smith. Eighth-graders —Luke Alexander and Peter Thayer.
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Soldiers Field unless noted.)
April 7 — Stewartville, 3:30 p.m.
April 9 —at John Marshall, 3:30 p.m.
April 20 —Byron, 3:30 p.m.
April 22 —at Mayo Invitational, 1 p.m.
April 23 —Triton, JM, 3:30 p.m. at Somerby.
April 25 —at Pine Island Invitational, 10 a.m.
April 27 —at Byron Invitational, 11 a.m.
April 30 —at Pine Island (with Lake City), 3 p.m.
May 4 —at Stewartville (with Hayfield), 3 p.m.
May 6 —at Lake City Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 7 —at Century, 2:30 p.m.
May 8 —Byron, Kenyon-Wana., 3 p.m.
May 11 —Tom Murphy All-City Classic (RG&CC), noon.
May 14 —at HVL meet (Eastwood), 8 a.m.
May 16 —at Owatonna Invitational, 10 a.m.
May 22-May 27 —at Section 1AA meet (Eastwood), TBD.
GIRLS
CENTURY
Coach: Jeff Swegarden, fifth season.
Postseason results:Finished ninth in Big Nine Conference, eliminated on Day One of Section 1AAA meet.
Last season's team stroke average: Not provided.
Who's gone: Elizabeth Shidler.
Top returners: Julia Youngberg, Hannah Lai, Abby Thilges, Kelly Coenen, Tori Johnson, Carly Eischen and Karen Coenen.
Newcomers expected to make an impact:Sheridan Baker, Lillian Brudwick, Hannah Tiefenthaler, Christina O'Bryan, Rachel Rand and Katie Coenen.
Team expectations:Improvement. Hope to improve on last season's Big Nine finish.
Working on:Still need experience. Very young team, with 10 of 13 golfers in grades 7-10. First year golfing for three players.
Coach Swegarden's thoughts:"Julia Youngberg and Kelly Coenen have been great leaders for the team. Both players are looking significantly improved over last year and I expect that both girls will do very well this year. Junior Hannah Lai and freshman Carly Eischen played most of the meets last year and will be solid golfers this year. I saw exceptional improvement in their games. Tori Johnson came on strongly at the end of the year and performed very well at the section meet. ... The spring weather has made it difficult to gauge where exactly the girls are. Returning team members Abby Thilges, Sheridan Baker and Lillian Brudwick have improved their swings and will be competing for open spots on the varsity. The four new players have shown noteworthy progress early on and also have the potential to move into the lineup as the seasons progresses."
ROSTER
Juniors —Hannah Lai, Abby Thilges and Julia Youngberg. Sophomore —Kelly Coenen. Freshmen —Carly Eischen, Christina O'Bryan, Rachel Rand and Hannah Tiefenthaler. Eighth-graders —Victoria Johnson, Karen Coenen, Sheridan Baker and Lillian Brudwick. Seventh-grader —Katherine Coenen.
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Northern Hills unless noted.)
April 7 — at Stewartville Invitational (Willow Creek), 1 p.m.
April 10 —at Faribault Invitational, 10 a.m.
April 13 —at Mayo, 2:30 p.m.
April 17 —Mankato West, 2:30 p.m.
April 20 —at Mankato East (with Albert Lea), 2:30 p.m.
April 21 —at Lake City Invitational, 1 p.m.
April 23 —at Red Wing Invitational, noon.
April 27 —Owatonna, Red Wing, 2:30 p.m.
April 29 —at All-City meet (Soldiers), 11 a.m.
May 4 —at Austin (with Winona), 2:30 p.m.
May 5 —Lourdes, 2:30 p.m.
May 12 —at Faribault quad, 2:30 p.m.
May 18 —at Big Nine meet (Eastwood), 10 a.m.
May 28-June 1 —at Section 1AAA meet (Cannon GC), 9 a.m.
JOHN MARSHALL
Coach: Andy Ollenburg, eighth season.
Postseason results:Finished eighth in Big Nine, ninth in Section 1AAA.
Last season's team stroke average: 440.
Who's gone: Sammy Hanson and Nicki Johnson.
Top returners: Sarah Ollenburg (109 stroke average), Julia Stowe (120), Jaclyn Andersen (130) and Molly Sadecki (132).
Newcomers expected to make an impact:Maddie Frick and Morgan Sammons.
Team expectations:Looking for growth, improvement. Will need to work hard to finish in middle of Big Nine.
Working on:Experience. Two seniors have plenty of varsity meets, but rest of team needs more varsity action. One of younger teams in Big Nine.
Coach Ollenburg's thoughts:"We have 18 girls out for golf this spring. This is the highest number we have had at John Marshall in the last 10 years. Ten of the girls played last spring and eight of the girls are new to golf and the team. It is exciting to see this many girls out for golf with 14 of the girls being eighth-, ninth- or 10th-graders. A couple of the new girls have participated in the First Tee program here in Rochester and it is great to see the game grow. ... It was a nice surprise to practice outside four times the first week of practice and this is the first time in my eight years as head coach that we have been outside the first week of practice. It would be great if the weather would cooperate this spring after two years in a row of poor weather. ... The level of competition in the Big Nine will be increased and nearly every team has at least four varsity golfers returning this year. The top teams in the conference will be Red Wing, Northfield and Winona. Red Wing, one of the most successful programs in the state, will be the team to beat and Northfield is competitive year after year. Winona is returning everyone from their team that placed second at sections last spring."
ROSTER
Seniors — Sarah Ollenburg and Julia Stowe. Juniors —Maddie Dylla and Amaana Sherif. Sophomores —Jaclyn Andersen, Molly Sadecki, Kirsten Pearse, Gaby Whetstone, Lauryn Greenfield, Maddie Frick, Leah Rietveld and Alison Fibison. Freshmen —Michelle Brannick and Kailey Hoelzle. Eighth-graders —Morgan Sammon, Aubree Lane, Paige Day and K.J. Siegle.
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Northern Hills.)
April 7 — at Stewartville Invitational (Willow Creek),
April 9 —at Lourdes, 3:30 p.m.
April 14 —Winona, 2:30 p.m.
April 16 —at Albert Lea, 2:30 p.m.
April 21 —at Red Wing (with Mayo), 2:30 p.m.
April 23 —at Red Wing Invitational, noon.
April 29 —at All-City meet (Soldiers), 1 p.m.
April 30 —East, Austin, 2:30 p.m.
May 5 —at Owatonna (with West), 2:30 p.m.
May 6 —at Lake City Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 11 —at Cannon Falls Invitational, 1 p.m.
May 12 —at Faribault quad, 2:30 p.m.
May 18 —at Big Nine meet (Eastwood), 10 a.m.
May 21 —Kasson-Mant., Stewartville, 2:30 p.m.
May 28-June 1 —at Section 1AAA meet (Cannon GC), TBD.
MAYO
Coach: Steve Myhro, 17th season.
Postseason results:Placed fifth in Big Nine, sixth in Section 1AAA.
Last season's team stroke average: 410.
Who's gone: Elese Osterberg and Kate Viker.
Top returners: Courtney Hruska (88 stroke average, all-conference), Megan Greseth (109), Andrea Peterson (108) and Erin O'Hara (111).
Other returners:Ashley Cookman (122) and Sara Marquardt (115).
Team expectations:Last year was a rebuilding year. Now more girls have varsity experience, which will be helpful this season.
Coach Myhro's thoughts:"I am always excited about the season. The Mayo golf program continues to have strong numbers with 34 girls on the team this year, which is so important to make sure the game of golf grows. Many of the returning letter-winners worked hard during the summer to improve their games. I think Courtney Hruska will take her game to the next level this season. I also feel that Megan Greseth, Andrea Peterson and Erin O'Hara will be very strong competitors. With the addition of Red Wing and Northfield into our section, we have added two very competitive programs. We need programs like First Tee and all of the summer golf opportunities offered by our local courses. We are very lucky to have a great practice facility at Eastwood with the support of Jeff Gorman and his staff."
ROSTER
Seniors — Sophia Lazer, Marissa Ihrke, Ariel Dorsey, Ashley Cookman and Madison Conte. Juniors —Steph Ward, Madelyn Sawyer, Grace Perrone, Emma Marquardt, Abby Marquardt, Sara Marquardt, Kate Kraus, Courtney Hruska, Megan Greseth, Anna Coleman and Liz Carson. Sophomores —Andrew Peterson, Abigail Korte, Paige Faupel, Laura Faubion, Samantha Clark and Christine Choi. Freshmen —Chloe Thiemann, Lauren Rho, Erin O'Hara, Madi Lutz, Lexie Lang, Anna Kirkland and Kailee Johnson. Eighth-graders —Maria Kraus, Alexa Hruska, Brianna Cookman and Brooke Biltoft. Seventh-grader —Ishika Gopal.
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Eastwood unless noted.)
April 7 — at Stewartville Invitaitonal, 1 p.m.
April 13 —Century, 2:30 p.m.
April 16 —at Winona, 2:30 p.m.
April 21 —at Red Wing (with JM), 2:30 p.m.
April 23 —at Red Wing Invitational, noon.
April 27 —at Northfield (with West), 2 p.m.
April 29 —at All-City meet (Soldiers), 1 p.m.
May 5 —Mankato East, Faribault, 2:30 p.m.
May 6 —at Lake City Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 11 —at Austin quad, 2:30 p.m.
May 18 —Big Nine meet (Eastwood), 10 a.m.
May 20 —Lourdes, 3:30 p.m. at Soldiers Field.
May 28-June 1 —at Section 1AAA meet (Cannon GC), TBD.
LOURDES
Coach: Tracy Reilly, first season.
Postseason results:Finished third in the Section 1AA West meet.
Last season's team stroke average: Not provided.
Who's gone: Anna Becker, Jessica Alexander, Anna Hennessy, Ellen Sheehan, Alexa Shin, Sofia Terzic, Emily Glynn and Lucy Hansen.
Top returners: Madeline Pagel, Grace Gorman and Wynter Bergner. Pagel and Bergner both advanced to Section 1AA meet. Pagel was a state entrant two seasons ago.
Newcomers expected to make an impact:With loss of eight seniors, competition for final varsity spots is wide open.
Team expectations:"As a team we hope to improve as the season progresses and to take advantage of the schedule and all of the chances to gain experience and confidence in our game," Reilly said. "There will be a lot of opportunities for everyone on the team to develop and grow as players."
Working on:Lack of experience. Most of team will be new to varsity golf.
Coach Reilly's thoughts:"We have a great schedule that will help our team gain experience and develop their overall games as players and team. ... The girls have been working hard already and have shown their excitement and enthusiasm for the game. I look for every experience we have this season to only make us stronger and more confident as individual golfers and as a team. I am looking forward to a fun season and the opportunity to work with the great group of individuals. This is my first year as the head coach of the team, and I couldn't be more excited to be a part of the program."
ROSTER
Seniors — Madeline Pagel, Grace Gorman, Kathryn Heimer, Katy Bagniewski, Molly Griffin, Gabby Hansen, Caitlin Steier, Hanna Lawler and Jessica Scheckel. Sophomores —Anna Clayton, Brooke Hansen, Ellen Gorman and Mathia Jacobson. Freshmen —Wynter Bergner, Molly Belda and Josie Hansen. Eighth-graders —Natalie Allison, Carley Spaniol and Dinah Tauferner. Seventh-graders —Liz Walston, Emerson Illg and Lauren Murphy
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Soldiers Field.)
April 7 — at Stewartville Invitational (Willow Creek), 1 p.m.
April 9 —John Marshall, 3:30 p.m.
April 13 —Byron, 3:30 p.m.
April 23 —at Zumbrota-Mazeppa Invitational, 1 p.m.
April 28 —at Triton Invitational, 1:30 p.m.
April 29 —All-City meet, 1 p.m.
April 30 —at Pine Island (with Lake City), 3 p.m.
May 4 —at Hayfield (with Stewartville), 3 p.m.
May 5 —at Century, 2:30 p.m.
May 6 —at Lake City Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 8 —Byron, Kenyon-Wana., 3 p.m.
May 14 —at HVL meet (Willow Creek), 9 a.m.
May 18 —at Byron Invitational, noon.
May 20 —Mayo, 3:30 p.m.
May 22-27 —at Section 1AA meet (Eastwood), TBD.
— Ben Pherson
