Messenger Photo by Britt Kudla: Repeaters at Fort Dodge Boys Golf are (left to right): Logan Huffman, Trice Jakeman, Evan Pratt, Carson Warning Riley Travis, Jaden Lennon, Fisher Novenside, Nate Beekman.
Nick Vinson was previously Brock’s new coach.
Now, for the second time in his career, the Fort Dodge High School graduate is embarking on another journey at his alma mater.
Vinson is in the early stages of his first season as golf coach for the Dodgers Boys. He has also served as the school’s men’s and women’s bowling coach for the past four seasons, leading both programs to state championships.
New adventures in the Lynx have been exciting for Vinson so far.
“We didn’t know exactly what was going to happen, but the transition was very easy,” says Vinson. “The players seem to be enjoying their practice and working to improve every day. ”
The Dodgers rotation is led by three seniors and one junior. The national team’s starting lineup on Tuesday is rounded out by two freshmen.
Seniors Riley Travis, Carson Warning, Nathan Beekman and junior Evan Platt lead the returning players. Freshmen Grant Hepp and Jackson Denclaw are also on the Opener scorecard.
Werning was the only regular to return for the national team, but Beekman also broke out in a few competitions. Travis was in the St Edmund line-up two seasons ago.
Senior regulars Andrew Alstott, Peyton Hayes, Cord Utley and Aidan Porter graduated.
“The top four has been the most consistent[in preseason],” Vinson said. “Qualifying for the back nine at Lakeside was 35, 41, 2 and 42. I wanted young children to have the opportunity to learn from someone, so I tried to pair them with people who were new to the game. who isn’t a coach? ”
The Dodgers have 22 players, including eight freshmen.
“We have a lot of young kids now and a definite lack of experience overall,” Vinson said. “You see…they want to be good at golf. They listen and work hard.
“We expect to see positive steps this season.”
Underclassmen have an adjustment period.
“A lot of young kids have to learn how to play golf competitively,” Vinson said. “Some people have played with their families, and others have gone karting 18 holes, but walking 18 holes in an official tournament is something else entirely.
“For some it will be a learning process. But we keep working.”
Fort Dodge kicks off the season at the Country Club on Tuesday with the new Iowa Alliance Conference North Division tournament.
“We want to go in the right direction,” Vinson said. “See where you stand early (this week) and go from there.
“It will be a quick ruler.”
This will be the first FDSH event in the IAC competition. The Dodgers are joined by longtime rivals and former CIML mates Ames, Marshalltown, Mason City and Waterloo East.
“Marshalltown has always been very solid,” said Vinson. “Ames and Mason City are also usually good. we have to see where we stand.
“This year’s new schedule will feature a mix of familiar and new (opponent) teams to play.”
Tuesday action at FDCC starts at 10am
2022 Fort Dodge Boys Golf
roster
Seniors — Nathan Beekman, Max Bishop, Fisher Novenside, Dalton Rosales, Riley Travis, Carson Warning, Mike Miller.
Junior — Evan Pratt.
Sophomores — Gavin Bacon, Trenton Beck, Landen Granders, Logan Huffman, Trice Jakeman, Jayden Lennon.
Freshmen — Rylee Brown, Gavin Davis, Jackson Dencklau, Grant Hepp, Hunter Kasperbauer, Rylan Lara, Zain Rowe, Aidan Russell.
schedule
August 16 — Iowa Alliance Conference North Division Meeting. 22 — In Mason City. 23 — Des Moines North, Des Moines Lincoln. 30 — Fort Dodge Invitational.
September 1 — Mason City east of Des Moines. 6 — vs. Des Moines Hoover, Waterloo East; 7 — at the Ankeny Invitational. 12-13 — Ames Invitational. 16 — Marshalltown Invitational. 21 — Southeast Polk Invitational. 27 — North Conference at Marshalltown.