|
|
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
|
|
'This year we have a solid five' Led by a trio of returners, CLC women are optimistic Sports Writer A trio of returning players highlights this year's Central Lakes College Raiders women's golf team.
Tracy Gustafson of Wadena-Deer Creek, Caitie Kavanaugh of Pillager and Melissa Welshons of Aitkin return for a chance to repeat as Region 13 and MCAC state champions.
In last year's region tournament, Gustafson fired a two-day 178 for medalist honors. Kavanaugh and Welshons both shot 194s to lead the Raiders to the NJCAA national tournament.
"Caitie is taking her game a little more seriously in her second year, as is Melissa," said Raiders head coach Jim Russell. "Tracy is definitely a good caliber of player and will probably get a scholarship to play somewhere.
"They're excited about this season. Usually we're always scrambling to get five girls to fill the roster, but this year we have a solid five, who all play a lot of golf. It's going to be fun."
Joining the three will be Dayna Pearson of Aitkin and Morgan Morris of Superior High School of Wisconsin.
While the Raider women advanced to nationals lasts season, the national tournament didn't really happen as all but one day was rained out. That has the players hungry for a chance to experience the full tournament.
"We did play one day and I think what they saw was how competitive it was," said Russell. "Also, they saw how big of a field it was.
"One of the things I think they realized is it was an experience they won't forget. It's something they are already talking about and looking forward to participating in again."
Russell said teams like Rochester, Minnesota West and Ridgewater will be the top competition, while Hibbing brings back one of the top individuals in the MCAC.
On the men's side, only Drew Dufner returns. He fired a 161 in last year's Region 13 meet to help the Raiders to second behind Rochester. It was the only loss the Raider men suffered at the Legacy Courses at Cragun's, their home course.
While the men's roster isn't set, one familiar name of new recruits does stick out - Pequot Lakes graduate Michael Eck, who advanced to the Class 2A state tournament last year.
From there Russell will have to see what type of team he has as practice began Tuesday.
CLC golf
Head coach: Jim Russell, 10th season
2008 finish: Women's team: Region 13 champion; Men's team: Region 13 runner-up
Sophomores: Women: Tracy Gustafson, Caitie Kavanaugh, Melissa Welshons; Men: Drew Dufner
Assistant coach: Joe Kavanaugh
|
"Drew is a tough player," said Russell. "He'll be one of the top players in the state. The rest we're filling in with new players.
"We'll battle like we always do. Will we be the favorite? That has to be seen. This is the first year I'm going into the season and I don't know what we have."
One thing Russell is sure about is the quality of help he's going to receive from his new assistant coach and former player Joe Kavanaugh. The Pillager High School graduate was a two-time national player and is a member at the Legacy.
JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at jeremy.millsop@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5856.
Schedule
SEPTEMBER
2: RUTTGER'S BAY LAKE LODGE, noon
12: Oak Marsh Golf, Oakdale
15: Mesaba Country Club, Hibbing
17: Jewel Golf Club, Lake City
18: Prairie View, Worthington
19: Worthington Country Club, Worthington
21: LEGACY COURSES AT CRAGUN'S, noon
28: Eastwood Golf Club, Rochester
30: Eagle Creek, Willmar
OCTOBER
5-6: MCAC state, NJCAA Region 13 at Legacy Courses at Cragun's
To Subscribe to the Brainerd Dispatch, Click Here.
Note: Comments are not edited and don't represent the views of The Brainerd Dispatch. Please read our posting rules in the terms of service policy. To report a post that may be inappropriate, click the triangle alert icon.
|
|
|
|
|
 Top Commented Articles
Over the last 7 days
Most Recent Comments
|
|
|
|
Thinking about a New Job?
These employers want you!
|
Loading...
|
|
|
Today's Best Classifieds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
