The Becker Bulldog girls’ golf team started practice last week in advance of the 2016 season. Head Coach Steve Whittaker will again be leading the ladies who are hoping to build on some of their great play they put on display during the 2015 campaign.

 

Returning to the squad are Macy Erson, Rachel Vogl and Erica Brovold and they will be pushed for spots on the varsity team by youngsters Ellie Goth, Hailey Hecker, Hailey Hamacher, Hannah Garcia and Jenna Voigt.

 

The team lost just one player to graduation, Cheyenne Piccolo, who made state and finished in a tie for 37th at the Ridges of Sand Creek Golf Course in Jordan in June.

 

The team finished second to Cathedral in the Granite Ridge Conference.

 

One of the best things that’s happened so far in this young season has been the weather. Whittaker can’t remember the last time he had a golf team practicing outdoors in the month of March.

 

“It’s been great,” he said. “Though it’s been chilly and windy, it’s just so great to be teaching golf outside instead of in a little room at the school.”

 

The 2016 season marks Whittaker’s third season in a row as head coach as the team has juggled coaches ever since Bill Gallipo stepped aside several years ago because of health issues. Whittaker is assisted by Nate Doimer with the JV team and the coaches have eight girls vying for spots on varsity and five on the junior high team.

 

Whittaker retired from his teaching duties at the school a few years ago and now dedicates his springs and summers towards coaching the game of golf and playing in amateur tournaments all over the state.

 

“Being retired gives me the opportunity to play this game I love a lot more and do all I can for the girls golf team,” he says. “This is a great place to coach because Pebble Creek is one of the best golf courses in the stet and has great practice facilities and a wonderful driving range.”

 

Whittaker says the team’s goal — as always — is to be in competition for the Granite Ridge Conference title and send the team and/or players to the “big dance.”

 

“We have some good talent on this team and if the girls play up to their potential, they should achieve the goals they have set for themselves,” he said.

 

At last years’ end-of-the-season banquet, Piccolo and Vogl were named to the all-conference team. Macy Erson got all-conference honorable mention.

 

The team MVP was awarded to Piccolo. Most improved went to Hannah Garcia and the team spirit award went to Erica Brovold.

 

The team’s first meet is April 11 at Monticello Country Club and their first home meet is April 14 against 13 area teams. Section play will commence June 6-7 and the state tournament on June 14-15.