Staff writer
Returning veterans provide high hopes for Goessel in both golf and track this season.
Golf
Four golfers from last year’s state-qualifying Bluebird team will return this season along with 14-year veteran coach Chad Lindeman.
“We made it as a team but did not qualify for Day Two,” Lindeman said.
Junior Levi Schrag placed 14th at state last season and is looking to get back to state this season.
Junior Anthony Boden and seniors Jack Nickel and Luke Stucky are the others returning.
“Right now,” Lindeman said, “we have 16 kids that have decided to come out for golf this season and a number of first-time golfers coming out, so I am excited about that.
“I am hoping that we can find a few more to add to the varsity level to make a team for regional and hopefully state.”
Finding six players to play at the varsity level will be the Bluebird’s biggest challenge. Right now, four are listed.
“Our varsity team could look different week to week, and consistency could be a struggle for us,” he said. “I’ll be rotating people around to see what we can do.”
In the offseason, team leader Levi Schrag has been playing in junior leagues.
“He loves golf and is always working to get better and be the best he can be,” Lindeman said.
Other players to keep an eye on are Colby Nafziger, Braxton Unruh, and Adriana Duerksen.
The Bluebirds will play their first competitive round of golf Friday at Great Life golf course in Salina.
Track
A solid group of state qualifiers are returning this year for Goessel’s 2025 season.
Head coach Curtis Guhr is entering his 18th year at the helm. He is assisted by Crysta Guhr, Garret Heibert, Brian Lightner, Amy Flaming, and Luke Freeman.
“We are looking forward to a good year again at Goessel High School,” Curtis Guhr said.
Last year, the girls’ team placed second in the Wheat State League and third at regionals.
State qualifiers returning for the girls’ team are Aimee Funk, Abbigail Funk, Brooklyn Wuest, and Logan Bryant. They will be joined by returning letter-winner Jenna Flaming.
“We will be looking to these returning letter-winners, state qualifiers, and newcomers to lead the team this season,” Guhr said.
On the boys’ side, Eli Gaeddert, Brayton Base, and Levi Olson are returning state qualifiers.
Returning letter-winners are Wyatt Sommerfeld, Trey Gaddis, and Evan Walker.
Last year, the boys placed third in Wheat State League and third at regionals.
The Bluebirds will open their season Tuesday against Solomon.