Big Six title on Trojans' mind

Sun Tribune

Park Hill heads into the 2008 golf season with the goal of recording its third straight conference title under the direction of coach Zach Dorrell.

The Trojans have two varsity lettermen returning to lead the team.

Junior Ethan Calvert qualified for state last year but had to withdraw from the event because of an injury. Senior Mason Hinkle is the other player with extensive varsity experience.

They’ll be backed by senior Ryan Mulford and junior Chris Robertson. The fifth spot is still up in the air. The junior varsity will be young consisting mostly of freshmen and sophomores.

“Our goals are to win a third straight conference title and qualify as a team for state,” Dorrell said.

Griffins look to

take step up

Winnetonka hopes to take a step up this season with nine golfers back from the 2007 team.

Returning with experience for the Griffins are seniors Jerry Revenaugh and Chris Snodell, juniors Aaron Cooper, Jordan Elliott, Scott Lamkey, Josh Finn and Branson Schope, along with sophomores Tyler Duley and Cody Kennedy.

New to the program are senior Logan Burns, junior Cody Sousley, and freshmen Dylan Sousley, Joe Crump and Dustin Niehouse.

“We finished most of the tournaments in the lower half of the pack last year,” said coach Canette Catlett. “We are looking forward to improvement with the many returnees we have back.”

Sneed to lead Hornets

Senior Carey Sneed looks to be in the No. 1 spot when North Kansas City hits the links this year.

“Carey missed the state cut by one stroke last year,” said coach Chad Valadez. “He definitely wants to make it to state this year.”

Senior Garrett Stutz, a 6-foot-11 basketball star who’s committed to Wichita State University, is out for the team for the first time.

“He has a long ways to go down to hit the ball, but he’s got a nice swing,” Valadez said.

Five lettermen

return for Northmen

Oak Park has five lettermen returning for the new golf season.

Senior Eric Alverson is currently the No. 1 golfer. Joining Alverson as returnees are senior Joe Gossey, and juniors Ryan Grun, Zach Romey and Eric Wood.

Coach Tom Stout calls sophomore Grant McNeley his most improved golfer from last year.

“As a freshman he barely made the cut,” Stout said. “Over the summer he worked on his game and (moved) to the number-five golfer in the March 17 Truman Tournament at Drumm Farm.”

Last seasons top two players, state qualifiers Nick Johnson and Kyle Tankesley, were lost to graduation.

“This year the jury is still out on how many will step up and have their games ready for districts,” Stout said.

— Glen Reese