Golf team hopes to defend league title

Hopes are high for the Cascade Golf team this season. Coach Randy Alexander calls it a rebuilding year after losing six senior boys, who were the nucleus of their league championship team last season. 

“I graduated out six boys, who were my favorite bunch all time. We went to state with four of them. I was spoiled. There were a special group,” Alexander said. “I have some returning golfers. Junior Tim Wells is a state returning golfer. Tim would probably be my number one golfer. Then, Garrett Halseth. He barely missed state. I think it will be competitive at our number one spot.”

Rounding out the top spots are Bryson Murdock, Carter Welch, Stephan Zucktreigel and Bruce Ledbetter-Gibbs. On the girls’ side, returning is juniors Maddie Hontou and Jacelyn Bain. 

“Maddie went to districts last year and was real close to going to the state tournament. This will be their third year in varsity. I have high hopes for them,” Alexander said. “I have eight girls turning out. I’m excited about that.”

The new girls are mostly freshman, some with very little experience. Alexander hopes to coach them up to playing 9 holes in a timely fashion, then 18 holes. Sometimes, it takes a season to get ready, he said. 

In terms of the league, for the boys, Omak is the front runner. As for the Kodiaks, Alexander said they are rebuilding. 

“I expect Tim and my seniors to be the leaders. He’ll be challenged by the other five. I could see the placings change every week depending on how they play. On the boys side, I have some experience there,” Alexander said. 

Just like all the spring sports, the lingering snow is impacting in a big way. As far away as Rock Island is not even ready for play yet. The Leavenworth Course may not be ready until April. 

“I’m hearing from everybody it is going to be a nightmare for the athletic director. We had a full slate of matches and tournaments this year. We picked up a match with Warden. My first home match is at the end of the month. Ivan (Gibbs) is telling me no way,” he said. “It’s deep and there’s a lot of shade out there. We may struggle this year, because we just can’t get out there.”

As things melt, Alexander said they will play at Cashmere and Highlander in East Wenatchee, which has a driving range. 

“We’re going to grin and bear it. We may play our first match with very little golf course time,” Alexander said. “I’m going to really focus on how we are at the end of the season. My goal is to win league and district. We can be right there.”

The first match for the Kodiaks is March 16 at Quincy, snow permitting.  

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.