The Ronan golf team has 24 kids out this year, and continues to grow in size. This year, head coach Matt Olson will be joined by Ronan graduate Paige DeLaurenti as an assistant coach.

On the girls’ side of things, seven athletes will make up the team. Seniors Lauryn Hales and Kaitlyn Woirhaye are returners, as is sophomore Brooklyn Olson, who took tenth at divisionals last year. Coach Olson said the team has been looking good in practice.

For the boys’ team, junior Fisher Neimeyer returns as a seasoned state competitior. Sophomore Vinnie Bird-Webster also returns after barely missing state last year. Senior Tanner Olson is another returning player for the Chiefs. Early on, Coach Olson said the team is one of the best teams they have had from top to bottom.

The golf season is short compared to other spring sports. With less time, the athletes will have to improve quickly. Thankfully for the Ronan team, they have some help from locals. The team practices at the Mission Mountain golf course outside of Ronan and will have the help of new golf pro, Joey Esh. Olson said the golf course and community members have been “100 percent supportive of the team.”

The team will have their first meet in Missoula next Friday. They are planning their annual community ‘give-back’ for this Saturday at the Mission Mountain golf course.