When girls golf coach Rob Carpentier took a look at his Tiger squad last spring, he knew his first year on the job was going to be a challenging one. He had only one senior on the roster and most of the varsity candidates had very limited golf experience.
Indeed, 2010 was a year of growth for the Tigers. They improved greatly from the beginning of the season to the end but still finished at the back of the pack in both the Missota Conference and Section 1AA races.
Carpentier isn't predicting any championships in 2011, but he has raised the expectations bar significantly.
"Many of the girls played during the entire off-season," he said, "and rang up some big bills at the local golf domes for their respective parents.
"I would bet we won't be looking at any last place finish this year. Realistically, we should be shooting for a middle-of-the-pack finish in the conference."
Only one player from last year's team, captain Alexia Rains, graduated and eight varsity letterwinners return for the 2011 season.
Returning letterwinners include senior captain Terra Klima; junior Meghan Elliott; sophomores Alexis Preese, Alexis Bailey, Alexis House and Mia Johnston and freshmen Brianna Swenson and Annie Grengs.
Carpentier said there could be a new face or two battle for playing time as the season progresses but that the eight returnees will likely log most of the varsity rounds.
"We are more experienced this year," he said, "and I like our attitude and depth."
The Tiger coach offered that New Prague, Northfield and perennial power Red Wing should all field strong teams in the conference with the Section 1AA race wide open.
Shane Wyandt will serve as varsity assistant coach this spring with Brian Oswall working with the middle school team.
