Planning for a three-peat

Talking about the upcoming girls golf season at New Hampton, coach Eric Olson’s opening statement might raise an eyebrow or two.    “We have a lot of experienced golfers back. Talent-wise, we’re probably as loaded as we’ve ever been in my seven years here.”         Considering the fact that the girls’ program has captured the Northeast Iowa Conference title the past two years and collected an overall record of 59-10 in that time, advanced to the state tourney two years ago as a team, and had two individuals qualify for the region final last year, Olson’s statement holds a lot of weight.    He paused and continued, “But talent alone has never done anything. We still have work to do. And the girls realize that. They’ve done everything we’ve asked them to do, they get their work done and try to get better every day.”    Six of the seven golfers to play on varsity last year return as only Katie Tupper was lost to graduation. Both players that advanced to the region final in 2016 return, led by Mya Anderson with a season 9-hole average of 47.56.  For the full story and a season schedule, please see the April 4 Tribune.