Kirtland’s golf team is in a bit of a rebuilding mode with three freshmen, a sophomore, and a junior forming the lineup.
The Hornets returned just one starter from last season, but they have shown promise in the preseason and through their first events of the 2023 campaign.
“I have never coached such a young team, so we will have our share of ups and downs,” said Kirtland sixth-year coach Sam Kless. “To be successful, we need to learn from our mistakes and improve moving forward.”
Junior Knox Crisci is the team’s lone returner from last season.
“He is much improved from last year,” Kless said. “He should have a good season.”
Freshmen Nick Nead, Ryan Green, and Maggie Kothera have been slotted as the team’s No. 2, 3, and 4 golfers, respectively.
“(Nead) has the tools to be one of the better freshmen in the area,” Kless said. “(Green) has a lot of raw potential. He will get better every match. (Kothera) played in the Northern Ohio Jr. PGA tour and will play from the boys’ tees, but that won’t be a problem for her. I’m looking forward to her playing in the girls’ state tournament.”
Sophomore Danny Shafer rounds out the lineup.
“He’s willing to learn and practice,” Kless said. “He has a great attitude, and he will get better as the season goes along.”
