It’s been a steady climb for Ethan Luecke and his senior teammates.The Top 2 spots on the Warrenton golf team are a lock, and much is expected out of Luecke in the No. 1 role.Chase Nelson is also …
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It’s been a steady climb for Ethan Luecke and his senior teammates.The Top 2 spots on the Warrenton golf team are a lock, and much is expected out of Luecke in the No. 1 role.Chase Nelson is also eyeing lofty goals in the No. 2 spot.Luecke has qualified for state in each of the past two seasons, finishing second last May in the MSHSAA Championships.Nelson is yet to reach the pinnacle of the sport, but has the ability to, according to Coach Rich Barton.“Chase has the game to get there,” said Barton. “He just has to hit well on the right day.”The Warriors return four out of five sectional qualifiers from a year ago.Vying for the third and fourth spots are seniors Curtis Bauer and Luke Hawley.“They’re battling it out,” said Barton. “For them to reach that next level, it’s going to take them hitting right during the most important matches.”The fifth spot is up for grabs, and Barton says five underclassmen are vying for an opportunity to make their impact on the varsity level.Freshman Dillon Keeven has excelled early. Joining him in pursuit of the No. 5 spot are juniors Jesse Washburn and Chris Grober and seniors Zach Ragan and Jimmy Wehmeier.“We’ve got a lot of senior leadership, and it’s nice to see those older guys take these underclassmen under their wings,” said Barton.Barton says the pressure of external factors have been lifted off Luecke, who committed to play golf at Indiana Wesleyan back in the fall. With his future already planned, he can commit his focus entirely to a strong finish on the prep level.“He’s going to be more relaxed and focused on the season,” said Barton. “He’s focused mentally and hopefully that translates into great season.”Barton says the focus early on has been on the short game.“Our main focus at practice has been putting, so we’ve instituted a putting routine,” said Barton.Much like last season, he is also putting more emphasis on tournaments, rather than match play.“Our goal is to do well in conference and peak at right time when districts and sectionals come around,” said Barton. “Ultimately, we want to get more guys to state.”ETHAN LUECKEDerrick Forsythe Photo.
