Goessel golf team returns three state qualifiers

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 29 March 2011 16:07

The Goessel High School golf team’s seniors and state qualifiers include (from left) Shane Goerzen, sophomore; Neal Brubaker, senior; Kent Duerksen, senior; Corey Buller, senior; Jake Smucker, senior.

Justin Coup has 20 boys out for golf this spring in his second year as Goessel High School head coach.

“Three golfers qualified for state, and three seniors and one sophomore were last year’s Heart of America League champions.”

Last year, Goessel was classified as a Class 2A school, but will now compete as a 1A school. “Moving down (in classification) will actually help us,” he said.

Coup said he believes he has a solid team this year.

“We have some people who decided to go out this year who were out for track last year,” he said, adding that this should strengthen the team.

“We have a lot of depth and numbers. The nice thing is, we have a mix of people out for golf. We have some people out just to enjoy (the sport) and some that take golf very seriously.”

Whatever the reason, Coup said he is excited to have them.

“It will be fun,” he said.

Seniors Neal Brubaker and Jake Smucker are returning. Brubaker and sophomore Shane Goerzen both placed in the top five at league last year.

“They should be anchoring our team as far as bring experience back this year,” he said.

Coup said he is looking to some sophomores and juniors who have a good chance to really help the team.

Coup said he plans to take several experienced and inexperienced players to meets at the beginning of the season, not just the best six every time.

“We won’t go team-wise until later, after we get some meets under our belt and continue to progress.”

The GHS golf team starts its season Tuesday, April 5, at Herington.