Top returners positioned well for NV golfers going into new season

With top performers returning and another year of experience behind them, Nodaway Valley head golf coach Julie Hartman has reason to be optimistic about what her Wolverines can accomplish this season.

Senior Mallory Russell leads the girls team after posting a nine-hole low of 44 and an 18-hole low of 96 last season. On the boys side, senior Ty Rardin advanced to the second round of district play as a junior and returns as a key contributor.

There are six girls and 18 boys out this season, and Hartman said competition — particularly among the boys — is strong.

“Mal’s a strong player,” Hartman said. “She needs to slow down a little bit on her putting. If she can do that, she’ll do really well.”

Seniors Brailyann Coffman and Chloe Rardin also return for the girls. Coffman ranked just behind Russell statistically last season, recording a nine-hole low of 56.

“Braily’s been out there practicing a lot on her own, chipping and putting. That’s always been her strong suit,” Hartman said. “We’re working a lot with her from tee to green, and that’s coming along pretty well this year.”

The boys roster features a competitive core that includes Rardin, Jack Berg, Sam Miller, Ty Strode, Derek Raasch and Keyin Steeve.

“I can tell you, this year it’s going to be so close,” Hartman said. “These boys are so dedicated. They’re out there playing 54 holes, out there in the wind, the cold. It’s going to be fun to watch them. My husband, Jeremy, got his coaching license and is helping me, and we’re really working on chipping and putting. Those boys can hit it 10 miles, but if you can’t chip it close and 1- or 2-putt, you’re not going to score well.”

Weather has limited early-season opportunities, and Hartman said the boys were scheduled to qualify Monday to determine their top six.

Most of Nodaway Valley’s meets are co-ed. The Wolverines open the season with a dual at nonconference opponent Griswold on Tuesday, April 7. Two days later, they host CAM, Creston and Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center in Greenfield — their lone home meet of the season.

The boys Pride of Iowa Conference Tournament is scheduled for May 5 at Deer Run Golf Club in Ackworth, with the girls tournament set for the following day in Afton.

Around the conference, Mount Ayr’s Jaylee Schaefer returns after winning last year’s state title. Wayne’s Ruger Berndt posted the lowest boys nine-hole score in the conference last season with a 33, while East Union’s Zayne Eslinger recorded the lowest 18-hole score at 70.

Hartman’s husband, Jeremy, is coaching with her this year.

“I focus more on what our kids can do,” Hartman said. “I’m really looking forward to it. I have help this year, and it’s been nice to be able to have someone else go and help other kids while I’m helping different kids.”