48th article at the Independent

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW: Marshall golf

CHRIS DRUMMOND

cdrummond@marshallindependen.com

MARSHALL — After finishing second in the Big South Conference and third in sections, the Marshall Tigers boys golf team will look to make an even larger impact this season. With 14 returning players and 16 new additions, the Tigers look to have the experience/youth balance needed to make a run at a conference championship. Kari Ehlers, who’s in her 22nd season coaching and seventh as head coach, talked about winning conference and sections and improving golf skills as expectations for her team this upcoming season.

“For the varsity team, I expect us to take a run at winning the conference tournament and sections,” Ehlers said. “For the new kids, we are hoping to help them enhance their foundational skills and get them comfortable over the ball to know where their shots will go.”

Some of the key returners for the Tigers are Luke Ehlers, who placed second in conference last year, Jayden Manthei, who placed 13th in conference, Sam Schwarz, Joey Fossum and Evan Franson. The Tigers are looking to become more mentally focused on the green and manage the course better as a team, coach Ehlers added. Coach Ehlers also commented on how she’s looking forward to seeing how much fun her kids are having developing skills to be an effective golf player.

“It is always fun to see the kids having fun while learning at the same time,” she said. “Golf can be a game that is challenging but they can play for a very long time.”

Girls

On the girls side, Marshall wants to keep improving on last year’s results where they finished sixth in both the Big South Conference championship and the Section 3AA meet. Nancy Blanchard, who previously coached from 2010-15, stepped away and regained the position of head coach this season, talked about how the team should break 400 and finish top five in conference.

“My expectations for this team is to break 400 and finish within the top five at conference and sections,” Blanchard said. “I am looking forward to seeing how far we can grow as a team and watching the girls improve.”

The Tigers had two girls individually advance to day two of the section meet last year, with Brooklyn Gossen being named to the All-Conference team as well. Grace Ehlers will also look to lead the way for Marshall. Blanchard also welcomes competition between the team and believes depth will be a strength.

“I think depth will be one of our strengths this year,” Blanchard said. “We will have several individuals who will be vying for the last 2-3 spots on varsity.”