2025 Rochester high school golf teams at a glance

Head coach: Jake Waldman. Assistant: Jeff Fritzjunker.

Last season: Finished 7th in the Hiawatha Valley League; did not qualify for final round of Section 1-2A meet; fourth at Rochester All-City Invitational.

2025 outlook: The Eagles are led by one of the state’s best players. Senior Colton Rich is a former Section 1, Class 2A medalist and the reigning Post Bulletin Boys Golfer of the Year. He led southeastern Minnesota in scoring average a year ago (74.39), placed fourth in the section meet and seventh at state. Rich is ranked No. 13 by the Minnesota Golf Association, in its first all-class individual state rankings of the season. There is some competition up and down the Eagles’ lineup this season, which leads to the expectation of improved finishes in the conference and the section. Junior Owen Hoehn and sophomores Gavin Groettum, Charlie Kor and Michael Norman were all teammates with Rich on the Lourdes hockey team that finished as the section runner-up. Those four will all challenge consistently for varsity lineup spots, as will eighth-grader Charlie Moeschler. Groettum and Kor were the underclassmen in Lourdes’ section meet lineup last spring; the Eagles graduated three players from that team — Tommy Karau, Jack Bowron and Eric Nelson.

Head coach: Gunnar Olson. Assistants: Pat Franko, Brandon Brown.

Last season: Section 1, Class 3A champions; placed 7th at Class 3A state meet; Rochester All-City Invitational champions

2025 outlook: Mayo lost a tremendous senior class, one that led it to two consecutive Section 1 championships and a spot in the Class 3A state meet. However, the Spartans return three outstanding players, led by senior Tim Sexton, the defending Section 1-3A medalist. Junior Will Gyarmaty is back after playing on the section title team last spring, and the Spartans are bolstered by the return of senior Isaac Ahn, a Harvard University commit. Ahn didn’t play high school golf last spring, but led southeastern Minnesota in scoring average (73.5) two years ago as a sophomore. Sexton is ranked No. 17 and Ahn No. 31 by the Minnesota Golf Association, in its first high school individual state rankings this season.

“All three golfers have been a part of a section winning team, and we’re looking forward to seeing them compete this season,” coach Olson said. “Our goal this season is to compete. Whether in conference play, invites, section events, practice, we are looking to compete and grow each day. It’s a short season, looking forward to seeing who puts in the time it takes to be great.”

Head coach: Lance Dahl. Assistant: Tim O’Neill.

Last season: Tied for 3rd in Section 1, Class 3A meet; runner-up at Rochester All-City Invitational.

2025 outlook: Century has high hopes of challenging once again for a top spot in the city, the Big Nine Conference and Section 1-3A. The Panthers have finished in the top three in the section for three consecutive years and they have five golfers back with varsity experience: Seniors Ryker Hansen and Kaine Severson, junior Brennan Weckwerth, sophomore Boston Collins and freshman Vance Hanson. Weckwerth, Hansen, Hanson and Collins all were in Century’s lineup during last year’s section meet. Weckwerth led the way, finishing as the section runner-up, then tying for 40th place at the ever-competitive Class 3A state meet. He won the All-City meet last season and opens this season ranked No. 51 in the state, regardless of class, by the Minnesota Golf Association. He and Hansen were All-Big Nine Conference last year, and will be the team’s captains this spring.

Other returners include Ashton Schuder, Dom Pickett, Cash Hetland, Fiin Oftedahl, Sam Trotter, Cam McJunkin and Nate McClelland. Some newcomers to watch include Colin Meyer, Aiden Burman, Owen Cousin, Joey Getchell, Reece Loyek, Mason Waters, Cullin Mangan, Dau Dau, and Evan Chestolowski.

“We are a team that has shown improvement throughout the entire summer, fall and winter months,” coach Dahl said. “The Century Boys Golf Team could be a force to be reckoned with this season.”

Head coach: Scott Glandon. Assistant: Kaysie Otterness.

Last season: Did not qualify for final round of Section 1, Class 3A meet; third at Rochester All-City Invitational.

2025 outlook: The Rockets have good numbers this year under coach Glandon, with 20 players on the roster, including six seniors — Alex Beck, Brock Clarey, Peyton Eckhoff, Ole Fevold, Drew Glandon and Adrian Thomas. Glandon and Clarey are among the top players in Rochester and the Big Nine Conference. Clarey is ranked No. 97 in the state — regardless of class — by the Minnesota Golf Association, in its first state-wide individual rankings this spring. Clarey is one of five Rochester golfers to appear in the top 100. Glandon led the Rockets last season with an 81.8 scoring average, per 18 holes. Clarey was close behind at 82.07, and Fevold had an 83.47 average. Those three qualified for the final round of the section meet, with Glandon tying for 27th place, and Fevold and Clarey tying for 41st. Eckhoff (89.23) also averaged in the 80s last year, while Beck averaged 98.45 as a regular in the varsity lineup. Thomas and freshman Aidan Hookey also played in at least one varsity meet last year. Junior Cooper Torgrimson is another top contender for varsity time this spring.

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Head coach: Deanna Deutsch. Assistant: Brittany Ellena.

Last season: 5th in the Hiawatha Valley League; did not qualify for final round of Section 1-2A meet; 3rd at Rochester All-City Invitational.

2025 outlook: A young Lourdes team didn’t qualify for the final round of the Section 1-2A meet last season, but three individuals did: team captains Kendell Powell (now a junior) and Paige Moeschler (sophomore), and seventh-grader Allison Deutsch.

“(Powell) and (Moeschler) are both excellent golfers and leaders on and off the course,” coach Deutsch said. “Last year they consistently finished in the top three for our team and advanced to day two of section as individuals.”

Allison Deutsch, now an eighth-grader and a varsity veteran, challenged for a trip to state, placing ninth in the section meet (92-84–176), leaving her just one stroke out of a playoff for a trip to state. She led the Eagles with a strong 91.24 scoring average, which included five of her 10 18-hole rounds in the 80s.

Coach Deutsch said she is looking forward to seeing where the team’s seven seventh-graders fit in this spring. They constitute nearly half of the Eagles’ 15-player roster.

“With a young team, my focus is on continuing to build upon the success we achieved last year,” Deutsch said. “While we may not be in contention for a conference or section title this season, I am confident that we are laying a strong foundation for future success. Our goal is to foster growth and development, setting the stage for sustained success in the coming years. Encouraging these young athletes to stay passionate about the game and see them return next season is a significant accomplishment in itself.”

The Eagles also have a new assistant coach, as Cloquet native Brittany Ellena joins the staff. Her daughter Mackenzie has joined the team as a seventh-grader this season.

Head coach: Karen Kolbet. Assistants: Mark Bolster, Jeff Meyer, Peter Bouquet.

Last season: 4th in Section 1-3A meet; Rochester All-City Invitational champions.

2025 outlook: Coach Kolbet takes over a Spartans squad that has some depth (23 players) and some of the top players in the Big Nine Conference and Section 1-3A returning. Junior Flora Bolster headlines that group, along with freshman Dylan Raukar and eighth-grader Sloane Bolster.

Flora Bolster placed 12th in the section a year ago and has three years of varsity experience, which has helped her course management skills. “She’s gained distance over the last couple of years that has given her more control over her approach shots leading to more birdie and par looks on each hole,” coach Kolbet said.

Raukar finished 13th in the section, one shot back of Bolster, last season. Coach Kolbet said Raukar started this season with an impressive qualifying round, in which she displayed her diligent off-season work. “Dylan has a competitive nature, also competing in swimming. Her strengths include remaining relaxed on the course in addition to her long drives and attention to detail on her short game,” Kolbet said.

Sloane Bolster was a varsity mainstay as a seventh-grader last year. She has focused on improving her short game in the off season leading to better accuracy in her chipping and putting. “She also excels at staying positive and focused when faced with challenges on the course. We are looking forward to seeing what kind of nine-hole averages she puts up this season,” Kolbet said.

Among the newcomers who have stood out in practices are sophomore Caroline Chon and freshman Molly Landherr.

“In general, we have a lot of potential on the team and I’m looking forward to seeing how each girl’s game progresses throughout the season,” Kolbet said. “I think it is realistic for us to shoot for a first- or second-place finish in our conference this year, but our main focus is to create an environment where the girls understand and respect the game of golf while working diligently to improve their game.”

Head coach: Eric Kartheiser. Assistant: Tim O’Neill.

Last season: Did not qualify for final round of Section 1-3A meet; 4th at Rochester All-City Invitational.

2025 outlook: Century lost three talented players from a season ago, including Briar Daire, who placed 21st at the Section 1-3A meet. Ciara Church and Elizabeth Youngman also graduated, leaving some spots to fill in the varsity lineup. Coach Kartheiser anticipates sophomores Cora Erickson and Kylie Bruce, junior Tea McEachern and freshman Stella Link to be the top contenders for those lineup spots. “All four have shown a lot of promise on the range and in the simulators,” he said. “Their contact is consistent and club face is squaring up nicely.” Kartheiser, a first-year head coach, is still learning the skill sets of the Panthers’ players, but he also pointed to junior Claire Graves, as well as a group of five freshman — Link, Baya Collins, Ava Laudon, Jules Miller and Alexis Pronk — who have shown a lot of promise. Kartheiser credited assistant coach Tim O’Neill with his helping in breaking down and working on players’ swings.

“It will definitely be a developmental year and it will be a challenge to compete with the top players from some of the other schools,” Kartheiser said, “but we come with a lot of depth and should be able to challenge most teams' varsity and JV lineups.”

Head coach: Kelsey Stenzel. Assistant: Kaysie Otterness.

Last season: Did not qualify for final round of Section 1-3A meet; runner-up at Rochester All-City Invitational.

2025 outlook: Coach Stenzel and the Rockets welcome back four varsity veterans who were in the lineup in the Section 1-3A meet last spring: senior Claire Bogenrief, sophomore Cate Bogenrief, sophomore Ashtyn Krenke and sophomore Esmae Miller. Claire and Cate Bogerief were JM’s top two players, both qualifying for the final round of the section meet. Claire placed ninth in the section, missing a trip to state by two places.

“Claire's strengths on the course include her power and strength to hit the ball far as well as her course management skills,” Stenzel said. “Claire also has consistent scores. Claire knows how to keep her emotions in check and has the ability to focus under pressure.

“Cate's strengths include being able to hit her driver far, read putts, and knowing when to lay up. Cate always has a next shot mentality. Cate has the ability to bounce back from mistakes. Ashtyn's strengths include mental toughness and having straight shots. Esmae's strengths include hitting the ball far. She has a great drive, hitting over 200 yards.”

Mia Webb, one of JM’s top JV players last season, will also be in line for a varsity lineup spot.

“My expectations for the team are to get a little bit better each day, focus at practice, and have fun. I expect each player to think through each shot and play smart,” coach Stenzel said. “I am excited to build on the success of the program and to help each player enjoy the life-long sport of golf.”