By David Paulsen
SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
With five returning letter winners, the Burlington High School boys golf team hopes to be in the mix for the Southern Lakes Conference title this spring.
Seniors Tony Stang and Scott Vyhanek, junior Ben Geiger and sophomores Brian Dankle and Josh Ketterhagen will anchor the Demons.
“All five of these kids are experienced varsity players who are dedicated to the game of golf,” head coach Bill Berkholtz said.
In addition, Berkholtz noted he has an intriguing newcomer in senior Jayden Essman.
“I am looking forward to competition from Jay, as well as the crop of sophomores and juniors we have on the squad,” Berkholtz said.
A total of 24 golfers are out for the program. That includes four seniors, five juniors, 10 sophomores and five freshmen.
Berkholtz indicated that Waterford seems to be the team to beat, but hopes his squad can improve on last year’s third-place finish in the SLC.
“We think we can challenge for the SLC title, as well as, qualify for sectionals as a team,” Berkholtz said. “In addition, I think some or all of our kids could qualify for state.”
As has been the case with all of the spring sports, practices, which started March 25, have been challenging due to weather conditions.
Berkholtz, who is in his 19th season as head coach, and has been coaching golf at BHS for 30 years, is assisted by Wayne Herrick. Herrick has served in that capacity for over a decade.
The Demons will get the season underway at the Westosha Central Invitational on Thursday, April 11, at Brighton Dale Links.
On Friday, April 12, the boys will compete in the Wolverine Invitational at Rivermoor Golf Club in Waterford. This invitational was rescheduled from April 5.
Next week, the first of the SLC golf majors will take place on Tuesday, April 16, at Rivermoor.
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