Lynnville-Sully’s golf programs are widely considered perennial state contenders, and this year they should once again have a strong showing on the links. The Hawks hit the links once again this year to continue their trend of success on both the boys and the girls sides. Coach Monica Lanser has coached the boys program for several years, and she will now attempt to add her touch to the girls program as well as she becomes the coach of both teams beginning with this spring.
On the boys side, they welcome back solid experienced golfers such as seniors David Trettin and Ryan Janses. Also helping to lower the team’s scores will be returning juniors Bayley Morvant, Connor Fraker and Justice Snodgrass. All three of those boys have been a part of the program since their freshman year, and now as upperclassmen, they bring vital experience and savvy to the links as the Hawks look to contend for a South Iowa Cedar League title once again.
Practice time has been scarce due to recent weather conditions, and although the snow has all but left, the chilled temperatures still make the conditions much less than ideal to play golf in. They won't be able to use that as an excuse, however, as the rest of the area golfers have been subject to the same practice restrictions. The key to low scores is typically working on the technique around the greens, which is usually work that can be done with less-than-ideal weather, so that aspect should not be a rusty one for the boys.
Girls
On the girls' side of things, the team has had great success in recent years, as well. They have three second-place finishes in the SICL to go along with one conference title in the past four seasons.
Expectations are always high for the Hawks, and this year will undoubtedly be no exception. Weather aside, this is typically one of the more impressive girls' golf programs in the state, and they look to continue that success on the links once again.
The girls will have to make a transition, however, as two-year coach Jennifer Rozendaal is no longer at the helm. Now that Lanser is handling both teams, it will be interesting to see if there is any difference in performance. She will have to manage her time well in order to give both teams the coaching they need to become successful on and off the course.
The team will miss the now-graduated Aimee Rolffs, who was regularly the low scorer on the team, often posting numbers in the mid-to-low 80s. However, there are plenty equipped to replace her. Senior Kelsey Beyer is back for another season of golf for the Hawks. She has been a varsity contributor and former all-SICL team selection.
Her experience will be key to helping along now-sophomore Hailey Hood, who contributed a lot in her freshman season.
Along with Hood and Beyer, junior Macy Lanser returns to the tee for the Hawks, coming off a solid 2012 season as a sophomore. Lanser took eighth at the SICL tournament last year with a 91, and Hood added a 100 to match then-senior Cierra Stafford. Hood's ability to match scores with a valued senior as a freshman at the SICL meet suggests the pressure did not bother her at all, and she should only get better this season.
The Hawks began their season Monday at North Mahaska. The boys will take the course for the second time this season at Harvest Point Golf Course in Oskaloosa on Tuesday.
Sports writer Dustin Turner may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 440, or at dturner@newtondailynews.com.