Plainsmen prepare to tee-off for 2017 season

By Samantha Goff

Grant Tribune-Sentinel

Coach Troy Kemling will have 15 boys competing on the 2017 boys golf team this season, which begins on Thursday, March 30 when the Plainsmen head to Bayside at 2 p.m.

Last season Kemling and his team placed third at districts, and placed tenth at state. 

Returning to the team this season will be third-year letter winner Tyler Thelander, second-year letter winners Michael Beck, Tyson Patrick and Josh Johnston, who also was a 2015 ninth-place state medal winner. 

“As of now, I would expect senior Tyler Thelander to lead the way for the Plainsmen,” said Kemling, stating that Thelander is a “quality golfer” who provides leadership to the team. 

“Johnston, Patrick, and Beck will provide the team with experience, each having competed at the state tournament the past two seasons.  

All three have grown physically where they can now pull off difficult shots from rough where previously they could only chip back into the fairway. 

All three compete at the varsity level in three sports, which speaks highly of their athletic ability and mental toughness. I am excited to see how good they can be this season,” said Kemling. 

“This is one of the deepest teams I have coached at Perkins County and it is possible that 10 players see significant varsity time this season. The competition at practice will be intense which should only make everyone better.

With the depth of talent we return, along with new players, the boys expect to contend for team and individual placings at each meet,” Kemling said.

Members of the 2017 team include: 

Seniors: Kole Kennicutt, James McArtor, Tyler Thelander.

Juniors: Michael Beck, Josh Johnston, Tyson Patrick.

Sophomores: Aaron Fay, Cobey Werner. 

Freshmen: Logan Hansen, Sam McArtor, Alex Poppe, Carson Thelander, Kaden Smith, Chase Toner, Jacob Woodmancy. 

Kemling added, “Depending on the week, any of these players could earn a spot on varsity and even bump a returning varsity player off.  Each of these players have the potential to score better than 90.  Practices should be lively this year as the varsity roster may change week to week as players improve.”