ROGERS -- Rogers Heritage girls golf coach Jay Miles said there's reason for optimism as six of his 10 players return from last season.
Juniors Faith Von Gremp and Baylee Maes are two of the top returnees, while freshman Chloe Kordsmeier is also expected to make an impact.
Rogers Heritage 2014 Golf Schedule
Date^Opponent/Tournament
Aug. 5-6^at Springdale Bulldog Invitational
Aug. 12^at Fayetteville
Aug. 14^Springdale Har-Ber
Aug. 18^at Rogers High
Aug. 21^Alma
Aug. 28^at Alma
Aug. 26^Fayetteville
Sept. 4^at Bentonville
Sept. 11^Fayetteville/Van Buren
Sept. 16^Bentonville/Siloam Springs
Sept. 18^Rogers
Sept. 23^Springdale High
Sept. 29-Oct. 1^Girls State tournament at West Memphis
Oct. 7-8^Boys State tournament at The Greens, NLR
All home matches at Prairie Creek Country Club.
"Faith, she was close to making it to day two of the state tournament, which is pretty good for her first year of golf," Miles said. "Baylee was injured late in the year. She pulled a tendon in her wrist, but she has become more physically fit. But it's definitely going to be a battle with some of these newcomers."
Maggie Scroggins is another, who has made significant strides after playing for the first time last year, Miles said.
"She was really a beginner last year, but she's such a good athlete and has the ability to hit the ball far," Miles said. "We're just working on being consistent."
Other returners like Sophie Stehben and Allison Miller could also contend for varsity times, along with newcomer Alyssa Simpson and freshman Morgan Concoby.
"Probably nine of the 10 are playing for a spot on varsity and they all have a shot at it," Miles said."All their commitment levels is higher than any other team I've had. We have a lot more depth and I'm able to work on some of the finer points of the game with them."
Heritage boys coach Jay Gilstrap likes his team, too, but acknowledged it won't be as deep as some he's had in the past.
About half of his roster returns from a year ago from a team, which just missed the chance to advance to the second day of the state tournament by a handful of shots.
"We were ninth, just behind Rogers by six or seven shots," Gilstrap said.
Juniors Jacob Winkel and Brian Enos should occupy the No. 1 and 2 spots in the varsity lineup.
Senior Brandon Carnahan and sophomore Ryan Giesen will also be keys.
Gilstrap said Winkel and Enos are both athletic and have the potential to be solid golfers.
"They are both tall and lanky," Gilstrap said. "Jacob is home-schooled and he plays in the summer."
Winkel and Enos were both varsity starters a year ago. Winkel finished fifth at a recent Arkansas Junior PGA tour event at Springdale Country Club, firing an 82.
"They should be cable of shooting 38-41 over nine holes and Brandon could shoot in the low 40s," Gilstrap said.
Sports on 08/04/2014