jmetcalfe@dcelphosherald.com

DELPHOS — The Jefferson golf team finished 2011 10-9 overall, grabbing fifth in the Northwest Conference, under second-year head man Chad Brinkman.
With five lettermen back from that crew, he expects a solid 2012 from the Division III Wildcat linksters.
“We are a veteran group with team chemistry and high expectations. We get off the tee well, keeping the ball in play, and with some length,” Brinkman explained.
This team should be led by three veteran seniors: Nick Gallmeier (45.3 stroke average over 9 holes), a third-year varsity man; Tyler Wrasman (48), in his third season; and Jacob Violet (49.6), also a third-year player.
As well, a pair of sophomores: Tyler Mox (48) and Ryan Bullinger; are back with a year of varsity under their belts.
“I look for the three seniors and Carter to set a strong and consistent tone and be most likely to surprise some people; a start that can carry the team into the post season and NWC tournament,” he said.
With the loss of the graduated Alex Garza, Tyler Miller and A.J. Teman and some others that chose not to go out, Brinkman will look to promising newcomers such as junior Tyler Rice, junior Kyle Berelsman, sophomore Zach Wannemacher and classmate Jacob Hamilton.
“What we need to work on right now is hitting more greens in regulation and finishing the hole strong when on the green,” Brinkman added. “We look to be competitive in the Northwest Conference, striving to finish in the top 3.”
Jefferson has opened its season.