Boys Golf: Warriors poised to break through postseason hurdle

Brainerd’s Jack Evans follows through after a practice swing Friday at the Brainerd High School. (Kelly Humphrey, Brainerd Dispatch)

By Jeremy Millsop

April 08, 2016 at 11:13 PM

Jack Evans advanced to his first state tournament last season after shooting 74-79-153 to place fourth in the Section 8-3A meet.

The meet last year was at Perham Lakeside Golf Club. This year the section tournament moves back to Greystone in Sauk Centre.

Still Brainerd head coach Brian Wallace believes Evans has the game to return to state.

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Brainerd Warriors

Head coach: Brian Wallace, 15th year
2015 finish: Second in CLC, fourth in Section 8-3A
Returning players from section team: Andrew Muesing, Joe Foley, Jack Evans, Danny Olson
Assistant coach: Brian Gustafson

--- "His physical ability for the game is top notch," said Wallace. "He knows how to get the ball around the golf course. His mental competitiveness is amazing as well. He has that competitive spirit that you really need for this game. It showed last year as he qualified for the state tournament. He hasn't missed a step from last year. In fact, he's a little sharper even.

"My thought is Greystone is a more scorable course than Perham is. It has some par 4s and some par 5s that are fairly short. With some accurate tee shots, the team is going to do well. The par 4s that are a little longer, are difficult, but they aren't brutally hard. I think, with a little practice on that course, we'll play real well."

As a freshman, Evans tied for 67th in the Class 3A state tournament at Bunker Hills with rounds of 82-84. Wallace believes Evans could go back to state and he also believes Evans has a chance of not having to go alone.

"I'm very optimistic for this year," Wallace said. "We have senior leadership in two guys in Andy (Muesing) and Joe (Foley) that have so much experience and coming in as seniors I think they are in a place mentally that they are ready to take this year and run with it. We're very excited to see what they can do.

"Along with their senior leadership, we have some younger guys in Jack having state tournament experience. We're just excited to get started."

Brainerd placed fourth at sections last year and along with Evans returns three other players from that team. Foley shot a two-round 156 (74-82).

"He was one shot off the state qualifier and he has, since that day, had his mind set on getting it done this year," said Wallace. "Sometimes seniors come in and they have a lot of other things on their mind, like college and so forth, but he is very focused on what he needs to do to make it happen this year. I have a lot of confidence that he is going to reach that goal."

Muesing fired a 165 (83-82). He returns for his fourth year on the varsity.

"The thing with Andrew is he knows what takes away from his game and that is his own mental demons," Wallace said. "But he's aware of that and he's really worked on that this last year. I see him in a different place compared to last year.

"It's kind of like Thomas Stoxen a few years ago. When Thomas became a senior, it was just like this calm came over him. With Andrew, I'm kind of seeing that a little bit. Even though we haven't played in competition, he's a different kid this year. I can't wait to see what that does for him on the golf course."

Danny Olson shot 180 (89-91) in his first section tournament. He returns and has been the one to beat in the early season.

"Right now, with the few rounds that we have in, he's one of our low scorers," said Wallace. "He just has a lot of natural ability to make pars and has the confidence to do it. The experience of being on the section team last year as an eighth-grader I'm excited to see what that does for him overall."

Filling out the remaining two varsity spots has Wallace feeling even more optimistic. He's excited about the young talent coming through the ranks.

Don't be surprised if younger versions of the two most recent state qualifiers get action this year in the form of eighth-grader Cody Evans (Jack's younger brother) and seventh-grader Erik Stoxen (Thomas' younger brother).

"To have four kids back like we have-we were ahead after Day One of sections-they know how to get this done," said Wallace. "That's what is exciting for me as a coach. To see four guys come back, that have that experience, They know what to expect. They all are extremely focused for this year and have very high expectations for themselves."

Warriors roster

Seniors: Andrew Muesing, Joe Foley

Juniors: Braedon Metz

Sophomores: Luke Anderson, Jack Evans, Josh Hukriede, Lucas Johnson, Riley Johnson, Nicholas Krantz, Tanner Larson, John Lyonais, Alex Rice, Pierce Solseth, Alex Stirewalt

Freshmen: Danny Olson, Gavin Metz, Ethan Iverson, Joe Klang, Mason Trott

Eighth grade: Cody Evans, Daniel Johnson

Seventh grade: Erik Stoxen

Warrior schedule

April 12: in CLC invite at Rich Spring Golf Course in Rich Springs

April 18: in Blaine Invite at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine

April 19: in CLC invite at Wapicada Golf Course in St. Cloud

April 21: in Pequot Lakes Invite at Cragun's Legacy Courses in East Gull Lake

April 22: in Pequot Lakes Invite at Cragun's Legacy Courses in East Gull Lake

April 26: in CLC invite at Oak Hills Golf Course in Rice

April 28: in CLC invite at Territory Golf Club in St. Cloud

May 2: in CLC invite at Blackberry Ridge in Sartell