Spring Sports Preview, Part 2
We continue Spring Sports Preview, Part 2, featuring Boys Golf, Girls Golf and Boys Tennis.
Boys Golf
The 2022 Lourdes Boys Golf team is looking forward to getting outside and competing in the upcoming season. In his first year as head coach Jake Waldman has a team that is led by three seniors, Thomas Benner, Will Pederson, and Jack Black. Returning varsity starters also include junior Alex Olson and freshman Colton Rich. The goals for the season are to constantly improve both mentally and physically, provide a great team environment, and of course to have fun on and off the course as a team. Arnold Palmer once said "Golf is a game of inches. The most important are the six between your ears." Coach Waldman is excited for his first year coaching the Eagles. "We are looking forward to the mental and physical tests that are in store for the spring season."
Girls Golf
Led by 3-year letter winner and HVL all-conference player Ellie Leise, the Lourdes girls golf team will be youthful and eager to showcase their talent this season. Leise was All-conference as a freshman last season and hopes to build off her success to make a run at the state tournament this year. Joining her with some varsity experience from last season is Sadie Johnston, a junior who has worked hard to improve her game from last year. Sophomores Rachel Tauferner and Anna Baudhuin, and 8th grader Kari Faubion look to make the jump to varsity this year after strong performances at the JV level last season. Paige Moeschler, a 7th grader, is a new member of the squad and is looking to be an important part of the program this season. Coach Coughlin says, "they may be small in numbers, but they are a determined group of girls who have fun and play some good golf."
Boys Tennis
The Lourdes Boys Tennis team looks to build on a 3rd place team finish at the 2021 Class A State tournament. Lourdes returns six seniors from last year's Varsity squad, including captains Ethan Leeser, Freddie Suhler and Easton Blissenbach. Lourdes finished 15-3 last year and will look to advance to the state tournament for the 14th straight year. Leeser, Suhler and Blissenbach all advanced individually to the State tournament in doubles last Spring, while returning junior Marjan Veldic advanced to state in singles and finished 4th. 14th year Coach Steve Tacl will be coaching this year with two former Eagle standouts, Alexa Grupa (Palen), who played for the Eagles from 2004-2009 and won multiple state team and individual championships, and Ben Kopecky, who won two state singles championships for the Eagles in 2008 and 2009. Tacl is excited for what they'll bring to a team with high expectations. "Both Alexa and Ben are awesome additions to help this team reach their ambitious goals" he said. "They were great players, but they're better people and they'll help create a culture and environment in practice and matches that will help us play our best when it matters most."
We wish all the Eagle athletes well as they compete this Spring! GO EAGLES!