By Tim Wester
Sports Correspondent
Just about everything went right for the Waterford boys golf team last season.
The Wolverines had four first team all-Southern Lakes Conference golfers that help lead the way to a third straight conference championship and a berth in the state tournament.
The road back to Madison may not be as smooth for Waterford this season. The Wolverines have already experienced a few setbacks; including losing senior transfer David Zahn to Arizona and junior Adam Dewane to season-ending knee surgery.
“Each season brings with it some adversity and uncertainty,” Waterford coach Mike Harmeling said. “This year is no different in that we did lose a couple of players in Zahn and Dewane.”
But that doesn’t mean Harmeling is ready to give up on the season.
“Fortunately we have a strong group of returning players from the junior varsity level that will have the opportunity to step up,” he said.
Waterford also returns a full complement of golfers, including Southern Lakes Conference player of the Zack Nash (sr.) and first-team all conference Garrett Buri. Others include second-team all conference performer Grant Beck (sr.) and junior Matt Puetz who both will be competing at the varsity level for the second straight year.
Nash, Buri, Beck, and Puetz all played vital roles in the Wolverines successes last season that included victories at the Falcon Invitational, Wolverine Classic, Brighton Dale Invitational and Racine County Invite.
The boys were Browns Lakes Ryder Cup runners-up, Southern Lakes Conference champions, regional champions and sectional runners-up.
“The returning letter-winners have worked extremely hard this past summer, fall and winter to improve their game,” Harmeling said. “We are fortunate that Rivermoor Golf Club takes the time to work with and help the kids in the off-season.”
The veteran golfers will lead the way for the inexperienced junior varsity golfers that are fighting for spots on the varsity team. This includes senior Sam Heitl and sophomore James Maney.
“Both did an excellent job at the junior varsity level last season,” Harmeling said. “All of these young men participated in some varsity meets last year and do have some experience in tournament play.”
Waterford kicks off its season Saturday when it hosts its annual Wolverine Classic at Rivermoor Golf Course. The Wolverines will need a combination of veteran and inexperienced golfers to have strong seasons to help them kick off the season with a victory and later on compete for a Southern Lakes Conference championship and ultimately a return trip to the state tournament in June.
“There have been a number of teams that have qualified for the state meet in recent years (Badger, Burlington, Waterford and Westosha),” Harmeling said. “I would look for Burlington to be in the mix for the conference championship this year. Where does Waterford fit in the conference ranks this season?”
“I believe we have the pieces in place to contend again this season and go for a fourth straight conference championship,” Harmeling said.
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