Blackwolf Run hosts co-op team, Brotz competed at Blackhawk

ZJENEEXA VANG and the North/South co-op golf team wraps up the state meet today. – Photo by Katherine Goebel

There’s no way the weather is going to be as bad as the last time the North/South girls golf team played in the state tournament.

“Hopefully not,” coach Craig Walters said. “It should be warm, I’m hoping.”

In 2019, the co-op squad reached state for the first time since 2011 and finished 11th despite playing with four sick girls. There were delays of 90 minutes the first day (frost) and 30 minutes the second day (lightning).

The tournament was held in Madison, as usual, but the alternative fall meet that began Monday and wraps up today will be at at The Meadows Valley Course at Blackwolf Run.

Whatever the weather, Walters thinks that’s a nice advantage for his team. The girls even got to play a practice round at the Straits Course last week.

“Kohler’s been very nice to us and let’s us go out and play some practice rounds during the summer,” he said. “The kids use the facility here and there, so we’re used to it.”

However, one of the three other state-bound teams is Bay Port, which took first at sectionals ahead of runner-up North/South. Middleton and Janesville Craig are also participating.

“All we can do is go out and play the course, and hopefully playing at Blackwolf Run will give us a little bit of an advantage,” Walters said. “But they’re pretty solid. Middleton’s pretty solid. … We’ve either played with Middleton or Bay Port every meet this season.”

After winning the Fond du Lac Regional thanks to medalist Ava Wittstock, the team was led by Taylor Peper and Hannah Miller at sectionals, as both tied for third.

All three, as well as Zjeneexa Vang, are competing in their second consecutive tournament. Joining them this time is Kayla Hendrikse.

CROSS COUNTRY

Rylee Brotz was the lone Sheboygan runner in the alternate fall state championship meet. The South junior finished 61st with a time of 21 minutes 35.4 seconds May 8 at the Blackhawk Golf Course in Janesville. Last season, Brotz took 22nd in the race held in Wisconsin Rapids.