Outlaws golf team tees up for season

The Outlaws golf teams enjoyed beautiful weather out on the golf course last week, and are anxious for the season to begin.

Senior Nolan Ferwalt is the only veteran to return to the boys squad. Ferwalt played on the state team last year, and Coach Bill Mitchell expects him to make it again this year as an individual qualifier.

Ferwalt can drive the ball 300 yards. Mitchell told The Nugget that Nolan will be working hard at improving his short game, especially chipping and putting.

New to the team this year are juniors Yasha Saldi and Kris Crescenzi. In addition, 10 freshman have also been added to the squad; Gavin Jaqua, Ben Hills, Devin Robillard, Jordan Griffin, Evan Meany, Jonathan Gurney, Kade Owen, Jace Kachlein, Ben Saba and Sam Tara.

Mitchell said, "Most of these guys are brand-new to the game, and it will be a challenge for me as a coach to teach them this great game. I hope they have the patience to stick with it.

"My biggest challenge will be to find four players ready to play 18 holes of tournament golf, along with Nolan, in a matter of a few weeks," added Mitchell. "The learning curve in golf can be very intimidating, so the coaches must also be patient as we watch the kids get better year after year."

Senior Codie Lagao is the lone girl on the Outlaws team. Lagao just missed qualifying for state last year, and Mitchell stated he believes Codie has a good chance to make it this year.

"Codie is the overall package," said Mitchell. "She improves every year and just keeps getting better. She can drive the ball well, so we need work on her short game. She needs to get a feel for the short shots around the green."

The boys will swing into action on Wednesday, March 19, at Brasada Ranch in Redmond. Lagao will travel to Crooked River in Prineville on Thursday, March 20.