Hawthorne High School’s co-ed golf team starts their 2013 season with high hopes. Both coaches and players are excited about this year’s plan to improve their skills.

Head coach, Jeffrey Kolk, is currently participating in his fifth season coaching the varsity team. His first three seasons coaching, the team made it to the State Sectional tournaments but did not make it last year. “We are hoping to make a push this year towards a record above .500, but I’m not sure if we will make State Sectionals,” said Kolk.

With seniors Greg Fales and Keving Branagh being strong leaders and captains, Kolk is hoping to have some competitive matches this season. Junior Nick Miller and freshman CJ Barhorst are also expected to help lead the team. “We have good leadership and a good foundation on which to build for our future,” said Kolk.

Head Coach Kolk and Assistant Coach Jack Gallagher plan on improving the method in which the team practices this season. Both coaches have been taking golf lessons over this past year and hope to bring some new swing techniques to the team to improve ball striking, distance and putting. “Hopefully some little changes will go a long way,” said Kolk.