Sauk Prairie golfers ready to roll

Shane Frey admits there are far more questions than answers. There will be new faces up and down the lineup. There will be plenty of rust to kick off. After spring sports were canceled, though, due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Frey and Sauk Prairie’s boys golf team can’t wait to kick off their new season. The Eagles’ first invite of the year will be Thursday at The Oaks in Sun Prairie at 12:30 p.m. “We will be very inexperienced,” Frey said. “We have a very full schedule early in the season, so we will be mentally and physically tested right off the bat.   “My main focus is going to be continually growing from match to match. We will set some scoring goals and work to improve on those goals throughout the season. Working on game and course management will be a continued focus all year.” When the Eagles last took the course, they finished eighth at the WIAA Division 1 Waunakee Regional in 2019. The only player back from that team is senior Spencer LaCour, who Frey believes can have a big season. “Spencer can really hit the ball and is ready to lead our team,” Frey said. “He knows how challenging it is to put together a complete round and is ready to work hard to be a solid competitor for us. We have a large group of seniors and juniors that have played in many JV events. While the varsity experience is not there, many of them understand the mental and physical test that an 18-hole event offers.” Among the newcomers Frey believes can help are seniors Kyle Been, Brandt Wilson and Elliot Drew, as well as juniors Ellis Kirner, Connor Ballweg and Jack Gorsuch. “I am really looking forward to seeing who will step up for us this year,” Frey said. “The WIAA allowed some extra contact days this year, so we have been able to work with kids prior to the April 19 start date.  “There are a lot of kids that have shown potential. It is just a matter of putting it all together for an entire tournament or match, which is easier said than done. I am really looking forward to seeing these guys work hard and battle for varsity spots.”   After a two-year hiatus, Frey says the Badger Conference and potential postseason foes are somewhat of a mystery. “I really am not sure what to expect from other teams in our conference this year,” he said. “My guess is that many will be inexperienced like us, due to the lost season last year. Waunakee has a great program with many players out so I would expect them to compete for the conference title. Middleton is in our regional and is always very tough.” Regardless of what happens, Frey is just giddy to have his team back on the course instead of sitting on the sidelines like they were in 2020. “I am really excited to get the season underway,” he said. “It seems like forever since I have coached kids in a match. We have some very coachable kids and I look forward to seeing how they progress this season.”