PREVIEW: Wildcats have one of state's youngest teams

     Maquoketa Valley might be able to claim the title of youngest boys golf team in the State of Iowa.

     The Wildcats have seven golfers out for this year’s team, and they are all sophomores or freshmen.

     “We have a very young team, and look forward to making improvements every day, and seeing how much better we can get throughout the season,” fourth-year coach Tim Andrews said.

     Jon Seibert, a sophomore, is the only returning letter-winner. Others who were part of the team last year are sophomores Austin Snyder and Pedro Chavez.

     Newcomers include sophomores James Blair and Patrick Hansen, and freshmen Derek Mensen, Matthew Hucker and Morgan Hermanson.

     “Our biggest team strength this year is the camaraderie all the guys have,” Andrews said. “Everyone seems to get along nicely, and hopefully this benefits us from a practice and competition standpoint.

     “Our biggest weakness is lack of experience. We have a lot of new golfers this year, as we had a nice group of seniors graduate this past year. Hopefully, as our experience builds, we can compete on a daily basis.”

     Ron Besler is the assistant coach.