Boys and girls fall golf previews

Cibola

Top returners: Boys — Andy Gonzalez, sr.; Brett Bach, sr.; Patrick Best, sr.; Girls — Yesong Han, soph.; Kayla Fiser, soph.; Amber Owens, jr.; Amrutha Donaparthi, soph.

Key newcomers: Boys — John Risen, jr.

Boys coach Cam Cong's comments: “We're OK; average. I don't think we're going to contend for any state championships, not to sound negative, but we'll be as good or better than we were last year. We're more consistent with this year's team. We were more up and down last year.”

Girls coach Scott Kramper's comments: “I think Yesong is one of the best golfers, if not the best golfer, in Yuma County. We're really young, but at the same time we have a lot back from last year. I think we can qualify again for state.”

The lowdown: The top four golfers for the girls return as they have an eye on returning to state. With the new system it will be a lot trickier, but Kramper said he's confident his team will return to the season finale. ... The boys' top four is well set, but junior Keilor Rivera and freshman Bernardo Castorena are competing for the final spot.

Kofa

Top returners: Boys — Daniel Linards, sr.; Adam Whitmer, sr.; Ryan Thornburg, sr.; Wyatt Lathrop, jr. Girls — Taylor Thomas, sr.; Amanda Martinez, sr.

Key newcomer: Girls — Kennedy Garcia, fresh.

Boys coach Roger Ramirez's comments: “It's just a matter of taking it from the range to the course. It's a different game when you get out there and it all counts. We're capable of scoring well and qualifying some individuals for state. It's just a mental issue. If we can carry how well we've done on the range to the course, we'll do great.”

Girls coach Eric Krepps' comments: “We're rebuilding a little bit, but with the group of girls I have, and the time they put in on the range and the time they put in on the course it will be all right. It will be competitive.”

The lowdown: The boys team is playing with just four golfers as Ramirez has yet to find a fifth to round out the squad. ... The girls took 12th at state last year in the 14-team field. Battling it out for the last two spots are sophomore Onammi Garcia — sister of graduated No. 1 from last year Amanda Garcia — senior Danielle Terhune and freshman Rachel Vallejo.

Yuma High

Top returners: Girls — Danielle Preston, jr.; Marissa Madrigal, jr. Boys — Bradford Goodwillie, jr.

Key newcomers: Girls — Linda Ontiveros, soph.; Eadi Anderson, jr.; Katelynn Epley, fresh. Boys — Nathan Cashman, fresh.

Boys coach Craig Meyer's comments: “We're definitely going to be just learning the game. We're more focused on our own golf games. As far as things like region and state, those are not a concern right now.”

Girls coach Liz Huyck's comments: “It's been too hot so we've only had a limited time on the course, but I think after a couple weeks in we're going to be looking much better. Our two returners, especially Danielle, played a lot over the summer. The others are natural athletes and picking up the game fast.”

The lowdown: Huyck said her team is very athletic, which only makes sense given the three softball players in the top five. Huyck is also the Criminals' softball coach. ... The boys team has been struggling with numbers, but may have two golfers from last year returning — sophomores John Rodriguez and Nicholas Grijalva — once they clear physicals.

Gila Ridge

Top returners: Boys — Mitchell Nelson, sr. Girls — Torrey Dempsey, sr.; Alexus Duran, jr.; Bre Brown, soph.

Key newcomers: Girls — Wynne Farley, fresh.; Brittaney Wolfensberger, jr.

Boys coach David Schultz's comments: “I just really felt that last year was a transition year for golf especially but for all of (Gila Ridge's) programs in general. We can't play the underdog role any more. That really bothers me when kids say that, wether they are on my team or not. We don't necessarily have targets on our backs, but we can't be content with winning here and there. We won the region last year and want to win it again this year.”

Girls coach Jaime McGalliard's comments: “We brought back three so we have that experience under our belts. With the addition of Wynne, we have a ton of golf experience and are expecting to improve on last year.”

The lowdown: Schultz said he has eight players competing for the four remaining roster spots, and none are a clear-cut favorite. He said he did not feel comfortable giving names. That could mean a long year for the defending region champions. ... Farley's dad is a club pro, giving her a competitive background McGalliard said will fit in well.