With returning veterans prepared to lead and new players eager to learn, Aberdeen Christian's golf team is looking forward to see what the new season brings.
Of the half-dozen players the Knights have, three are returning from last year and three are new to the team. Matt Rohrbach, a junior and the oldest member of the team, qualified for the state meet the past three years and finished tied for 28th place overall last season.
Also competing for Christian are Caleb Mohler, Nick Hauck and Judah Aderhold, all seventh-graders; along with freshman Ezra Aderhold and sophomore Tanner Droog, who return from last season. The Knights are coached by Gary Aderhold, serving in his first season in that role.
With the wet, cold and soggy start to spring, Aderhold said it has been a challenge to try to get outside to practice.
"It's been tough. We are anxious to get out," Aderhold said. "We've been indoors working on stuff."
Aderhold said the team will be looking to Rohrbach as its leader on the course, hoping to gain from his state-tournament experience.
"I am looking for good leadership from Matt," Aderhold said. "He has been a state qualifier for the past three years. I am blessed that we have six guys. A lot of smaller schools are not able to field a team. We will have four members for a team at every meet we go to."
In the Lake Region Conference, Aderhold said that Ipswich will be strong this season because of returning talent.
"They will be tough this year, with Lane Peterson and Zach Sahli, two state qualifiers," Aderhold said.
Rohrbach and Droog will not only see action on the links for the Knights, but on the track as well, as they participate in both golf and track and field this spring. The coach said it shouldn't be a problem for either to do so.
"They will make every meet. There is not a conflict," Aderhold said. "It will be a challenge with practices."
The Knights begin their season April 13 at an invitational in Ipswich. Aderhold and the team are eager to get the season underway and see what lies in store.
"I am looking forward to working with the kids," he said. "Matt has been our sole state qualifier the past few years, and it would be nice if any of the younger kids could step up. It would be nice to take two or three to state. I think it's possible."
|2013 SCHEDULE|
April -- 13, at Ipswich Invitational, 9 a.m.; 18, at Faulkton Invitational, 9 a.m.; 22, at Faulkton Invitational, 9 a.m.; 25, at Miller Invitational, 9 a.m.;
May -- 2, at Ipswich Invitation, 10 a.m.; 4, at Eureka Invitational, 10 a.m.; 6, Pre-region meet at Watertown, TBA; 13, Region meet at Watertown, TBA; 20-21, State meet at Brookings.