Golf team returns strong nucleus

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Dean Kraft is not shying away from upping the ante for the JHS boys’ golf team.

There certainly is plenty of evidence to support his high hopes.

The Blue Jays, who qualified for state last season with a herd of youngsters, have pretty much everybody back, so there is reason to be upbeat.

“These are the first stages of starting to expect bigger things from our team,” said Kraft, in his fourth season as coach. “This is the best team we’ve had to start the season with in my four years. It will be fun to see how we do.”

A late addition to the schedule will get that process started today when they compete at the Minot Invitational at the Air Force Base in the Magic City.

They’re as ready as they can be considering the mild weather, at least until the past week.

“There are no excuses,” Kraft said. “They’ve had a month of decent weather to play in.”

They also have valuable experience.

The core group, led by sophomore Brandon Stahlhut, who holds down the No. 1 spot in the lineup, is familiar with nearly every course they’ll play.

“Everybody that will play (today) has played (varsity) golf. There are no rookies,” Kraft said.

Eighth-grader Austin Rene follows Stahlhut in the lineup.

Sophomores Ty Spitzer and Jakobi Lux are in the No. 3 and 4 spots. Freshman Nick Stockert and junior Brandon Hart round out the lineup.

“We’ll have all these kids the next two years, and 5 of the 6 for three years,” Kraft said. “Making state last year was a big step in the right direction. It isn’t too much to expect them to make that next progression and they’re capable of doing it.”

Kraft also likes the depth on the team.

Sophomore Brady Hoggarth, freshman Ben Harris, Dakotah Spitzer, a junior, and Cole Jansen, another sophomore, will be pushing hard for playing time.

Taking the next step, as it pertains to moving up in the West Region and ultimately the state, will necessitate 3 or 4 players consistently shooting rounds in the 70s.

“It’s a group that really likes golf. A couple of them love golf,” Kraft said. “Individually, it’s a group that has good golf skills and hopefully we continue to improve as the season goes on. Collectively, if we’re able to make that next step and put everything together, I think we’re capable of having a really good season.”

Jamestown High School 2012 boys’ golf

Coach: Dean Kraft (4th year)

Season-opener: Today, Minot Air Force Base.

Home meet: Jamestown Invitational, May 18, Hillcrest.

Sun sports editor Dave Selvig can be reached at (701) 952-8460 or by e-mail at daves@jamestownsun.com

Tags: sports, golf, jays