Conference victory is goal of boys golf team

Describe the makeup of your varsity team: Being it’s my first year here as golf coach at Mora, we are taking the role of the “underdog.”  We have some very savvy veterans returning to the program, but the guys are very hungry to prove that they belong among the best teams in the state.  We are relying on Noah Klapmeier to be our leader and he has a realistic chance at competing at the highest level in the state tournament.  Avery Nelson, Trenton Fore, Tanner Berry, Dylan Prokosch and Alex Nosbush will comprise the varsity squad with a few other guys that could compete for a varsity spot.  These guys are very eager to get out and show what they are capable of.

What are your goals and/or priorities for the season? Our goals are very high with winning conference as the main priority followed by finishing top four in the Section and possibly sneaking into the state tournament.  As a coach, I want the team to really hone in on their skill development as well as learn about honesty and integrity. Golf is a sport where it is vital to display sportsmanship and by our team exhibiting good integrity, everything will fall into place.

Who do you see as being a challenging competitor? Albany is the biggest challenge for us to overcome to win a conference championship.  Little Falls will also have something to say about who ends up winning our conference.  As far as the Section goes, Cloquet is the top team to beat which always provides a major challenge for our guys.

What would you like your young athletes to gain from being part of your team? I want the boys to enjoy the sport of golf as it can be a lifelong skill and activity that they can appreciate as they get older. I also want them to learn about themselves and how to become mentally tough when challenges come their way. Golf is by far the toughest sport mentally that I have ever coached or played, and by sharpening their mental game will only help them on the course and in life. Golf tends to reveal our true character, and sometimes I don’t even like what I see in the mirror. Therefore, it’s my job to not only be a good example for the team, but help them to look in the mirror at the end of the day, and respect themselves from the manner in which they conducted themselves.

Is there anything else you would like to add regarding your sports season? I am very excited to be coaching golf again, and I love working with the guys.  We have a really great group of people to work with.  Not only are they talented, but they are just great guys in general.  All I need to do is just try to stay out of their way and let them be great!