For Cloquet's girls golf team this year, the challenge was getting players out onto the course.
"We have kids doing a lot of different things," coach Mary Carey said. "We haven't had all of them at our tournaments but we have a lot of positive energy around this team."
Cloquet hosted Marshall, Hermantown and Esko in a four-way meet at the Cloquet Country Club in May. Even though the 'Jacks finished fourth in the event, Carey said the seeds for long-term growth in the program, which has long been hindered by small numbers, are being sown.
"I have kids coming up to tell me they're going to play all summer and they can't wait to keep going," she said. "The kids are getting better and they are hitting good balls. Hopefully that will lead to a consistent team."
At the Cloquet tournament, Cloquet junior Rebecca Zeadow paced the 'Jacks with an 18-hole split of 53-54 for a total of 107.
ADVERTISEMENT
Cloquet had finished third at each of the preceding two Lake Superior Conference meets thanks in part to sophomore Jessica Randall, who shot a 51 in Superior for nine holes. However, in some events Cloquet hasn't been able to field a team score due to lack of numbers.
"We had one player sick, another in a play, and others who couldn't miss school," Carey said. "But these are great kids. I love the kids."
The team lost two seniors including Inez Horvathova, an exchange student from Serbia, and Sydnee Burud-Erickson.
"We're learning," Carey added. "The kids are just improving their game and those who are improving the most just need more time on the course. It's all about wanting to play more."
