The Becker Bulldog girls golf team has eight girls out for the varsity golf team and returning Head Coach Steve Whittaker is like a sculptor — chiseling away imperfections until the real work of art emerges.

 

That work of art is developed through hard work in the wrestling room hitting balls into the nets, waiting for the local golf course to open their doors for outdoor practice.

 

“We do have high expectations and are hoping to compete well for the conference championship,” said Whittaker.  “I am most excited because it looks like we will get a full outdoor schedule and we have a group of hard workers so I expect a lot of improvement over the season.”

 

Whittaker is in his second year as varsity girl's coach after taking over for Cassandra Johanns the previous season and Dwight Lundeen the year before. The team had been coached long term by Bill Gallipo, who in 2011 was forced to retire due to a medical condition. 

 

Returning this year for the girls golf team is senior Cheyenne Piccolo, juniors Rachel Vogl and Erica Brovold and sophomore Macy Erson. Due to graduation, Whittaker will be without Ashley Neuwirth, Ali Fisher and Haley Thelen.  Assisting Whittaker will be Coach Taylor Essen.

 

Whittaker doesn’t know what to expect and all he can do as a coach is get the team prepared to play their best as soon as the season begins.

 

“Golf is very unpredictable and that's one thing that makes it so exciting,” he said.

 

The girls golf team will begin the season April 9 at home against teams from Apollo, Cathedral, Big Lake, Monticello, Buffalo, Albany, Annandale, Dassel-Cokato, Mound Westonka, Cambridge-Isanti, Hutchinson, Waconia, St. Francis and Princeton.

 

Section play is scheduled for June 1 and 2 at Blackberry Golf Course in Sartell, followed by the state tournament June 9-10 at Ridges of Sand Creek Golf Course in Jordan.