Staff writer
Returning state qualifiers set the tempo for Goessel in both track and golf.
Track
Goessel track is stacked with qualifiers and letter winners from last year.
“With success in cross country this year and many returning state qualifiers from last year’s track season, we will look for some great leadership this season,” coach Curtis Guhr said.
State returners include Cheyenne Sawyer, Abbigail Funk, Aimee Funk, Brooklyn Wuest, Eli Boden, Jake Flaming, and Javin Schmidt.
Returning letter winners are Jaicee Griffin, Braylyn Hoopes, Logan Bryant, Delaney Gibson, Koy Smith, Levi Olson, Trey Gaddis, Aiden Impson, and Evan Walker.
“We will be looking to these individuals to lead the team this season,” Guhr said. “This year we are looking to have a balanced team of sprinters, distance runners, and field events. Also, with good numbers, we look for great competition for many relays.”
This will be Guhrs’ 17th year as head coach. Crysta Guhr, Garrett Hiebert, Brian Lightner, Amy Flaming, and Luke Freeman assist.
Goessel’s girls finished second last year in the Wheat State League, third at regionals, and 39th at state. The boys finished third in league, fifth at regionals, and 11th at state.
Goessel’s first varsity track meet this season will be Tuesday in Burrton.
Golf
Third-place state finisher and all-state honoree Noah Schrag will makes his return this year as a senior. He’ll be joined by state qualifiers and letter winners Chevy Gagnon, Luke Stucky, and Levi Schrag.
“I am excited to see how we can improve with this year’s team,” coach Chad Lindeman said. “Last year we had a lot of new faces to golf. With a year of experience, I am hoping that some of those players can step up to help us complete a six-person team to help us at the varsity level during tournaments and hopefully on to the state tournament.’
The biggest focus for this year’s team will be the mental game.
“It’s easy to handle when things are going well, but our golfers need to handle the bad shots and not let them ruin the day,” Lindeman said. “They also need to work on course management instead of taking unnecessary chances.”
With more kids participating in golf this season, more will compete for varsity.
“It is very exciting to have 20 kids out for golf ,” Lindeman said. “Many of them are young, which makes the future exciting for Goessel High School golf.”.
With so many young athletes entering golf, a big challenge for this year will be getting high-quality experience for everyone.
Varsity golf will open its season Thursday at the Great Life course in Salina.