The Hawk boys have all but one player back from a year ago, while the girls are anchored by the return of their top two scorers.

Head coach Steve Butler’s squad reached the boys state tournament last season, and hopes remain high with that core group intact for a potential run at a repeat.

“We will again be expecting big things from junior Landon Sogard and senior Tyler Schachtner, who both played big roles in last year’s state-qualifying team,” Butler said. “We will also be relying heavily on junior Connor Deppe and sophomores Michael Carlson and Luke Martensen to step up and be leaders as well.”

Sogard (nine-hole average of 41.0 in 2023), Schachtner (44.8), Deppe (46.3), Carlson (48.7) and Martensen (48.6) all went through typical highs and lows last spring, but when it mattered most during a Class 1A district tournament, South Hamilton delivered. The Hawks carded a team score of 318, led by Sogard (75), Tjerdan Johnson (77), Schachtner (78) and Martensen (88).

SOUTH HAMILTON GIRLS GOLF RETURNING LETTERWINNERS are, left to right: Rebekah Carlson, Abby Adamski and Arynn Luppes. (DFJ photo by Angela Hewitt)

Sogard then took 10th at state, with Schachtner placing 24th.

“I look for nothing but improvement (this season),” Butler said. “We know we can compete — we just need to be consistent.”

Schachtner is the team captain and an Iowa Lakes Community College recruit.

“Our goals are simple,” Butler said. “We want to place in the top two at conference and (earn a) repeat trip to state. Mental toughness continues to be at the top of our list, making sure we’re not letting one shot dictate the round.”

The Hawk girls are led by seniors Rebekah Carlson, senior Abby Adamski and sophomore Arynn Luppes. Head coach Kathi Fisher knows that much.

“The returners are really taking an assertive role as team leaders,” Fisher said. “I have three (other) varsity spots open, and there are 12 new golfers who will be (competing for those positions).”

Carlson’s nine-hole average was 45.9 in 2023, and she had a low round of 42. Carlson was a state tournament qualifier in 2023.

Adamski also broke 50 for her best score.

Savanna Freeman, Amanda Ostrem and Erin Hassebrock graduated, leaving the door open for a number of players as the year progresses.

“The entire team has a very positive attitude,” Fisher said. “We just need to get the (inexperienced players) course worthy in a short amount of time.

“The goal is to fill the three open slots with quality players and compete at the varsity level we are accustomed to.”