PHS Sports Preview: Boys golf hoping for competitive season

by Mark Cheffey

Competition is wide open to fill-out a PHS boys varsity golf squad.

After last year’s season was wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic, Coach Chris Parsons has a pretty open tryout this season, but with strong hopes of putting together a competitive team.

“At this point, it seems that I’ve got 7-8 vying for the top spots,” said Parsons in noting a field that includes three returning seniors, Jacob Webster, Elijah Edwards and Brady Shively along with  juniors, Laydin Lochman and Jimmy Scott, sophomore, Brett Tuter; and freshmen, Dreighton Sprinkle, Aaron Ritchey and Brett Tuter who all got “off to really good starts in practice.”

Despite having to become familiar with a large group of golfers, Parsons said it helps that golf is one sport that could be played on an individual basis during the off season.

“The difference will be playing against the competition,” Parsons said. “The guys seem very determined to go out and have an amazing season.  Having had so much time off, they are ready to play.”

The team is also strong in numbers which also include juniors, Jayse Messenger and Augustus Meyer, sophomores, Bronson Juette, Brice Otte, Ethan Redd and Zander Smith, and freshmen, Kamren Crane, Jeremiah Edwards, Landon Gottman, Kyle Jackson and Cameron Ragar.

As for what is in store for this team, Parsons already sees a team that has confidence in themselves.

“The boys are expecting to make a good run at a conference and a district title and wanting to make a strong showing at state,” Parsons said. “With the different set up to get to state, it is a bit more challenging than ever, but they seem fired up and ready to work hard to reach these goals.”

The season is scheduled to begin March 23 at Centralia.