PREVIEW: Experienced Panthers to carry the load

   Some strong returning players and at least a couple of promising newcomers give the Monticello boys golf team hopes of a strong season this spring.

   The Panthers – fourth in both the River Valley Conference meet and in the sectional tournament last year – did lose three key varsity starters to graduation. Still, they are counting on the ones who are back to pick up where they left off.

   Among them is Lucas Foust, a senior who was the team’s number two golfer last year behind since-graduated Blaine Brighton. Foust recently signed a letter of intent to continue his golf career at Central College in Pella next season.

   Lincoln Verhagen, another senior, has been a varsity player for the past two years and shows promise as well, according to coach Curt Tauke, who is in his 42^nd year at the helm.

   “It would be nice if we can get those two guys to score for us consistently,” Tauke said. “Then we’ll have to find a way to get two more scores (that count; a team’s top four scores figure into the team total).”

   Parker Johnson, a junior, was part of the varsity lineup by season’s end as well.

   “It will be important for those three guys to carry most of the load,”the coach said.

   Talan Long, a junior, is the fourth returning letter-winner.

   Tauke said at least two freshmen might be able to help the team at the varsity level: Luke Welter and Reid Hinrichs.

   Tauke understands the challenges that lie ahead.

   “We have three kids with varsity experience, so we’re replacing half of our (varsity) lineup with kids who have never played a varsity meet before,” he said.

   In the RVC, Monticello expects tough competition from Cascade, which returns five of its top six players; and Iowa City Regina, which has all six back.