For two seasons in a row, a single stroke was the only thing standing between FHC varsity boys golf and a ticket to states. Golf truly is a game of inches, and even the slightest error at any point during an outting can be fatal. The Ranger boys have been so close to making it to the next level but have fallen short recently and are now looking for a new mindset and perspective heading into the 2017 season. It has been a long and inconsistent winter for the boys in green and white, forcing them to work on their games using the simulator in the offseason and creating a massive itch to get back out on the course. Now, it seems like mother nature has finally loosened her grip, and head coach Paul TenEyck and his team could not be more excited to take on another season.

This year’s roster only has three returning players, all of which are team captains. Juniors Jack Lorenz and Mike Battiste, and senior Peyton Fester, have got a lot of weight riding on their shoulders to lead by example and carry on a winning tradition. The trio has been putting in a lot of extra work over the offseason, and cannot wait to display their improvements and adjustments out on the course. For senior Peyton Fester, he will want the team to go as far as possible and finish out his high school career on a high note. With two near misses of states now in the rear view mirror and plenty of fresh faces, the senior golfer is ready to enjoy himself and make some new connections with his teammates.

“I’m very excited to finish out my final season as a Ranger golfer,” Peyton said. “The comradery between these boys is amazing, and I can’t explain how ready I am. It’s going to be a fun season to say the least.”

With a huge void of senior leadership, Peyton’s role on the team this year will be extremely important, leading not only by example, but also at practice, in school, and in between matches. TenEyck understands the importance of his leaders on this year’s team and will often look to them to connect with his players and keep the team focused on the ultimate goal.

“Captains definitely need to be very strong leaders,” TenEyck said. “These guys have to be willing to act when they see something that is needed to be done. Above all else, I want them to lead by example and do what is right for our boys.”

With plenty of new faces and an upbeat atmosphere, junior and team captain Jack Lorenz will look to harness his team’s tenacity and energy and translate it into wins out on the links. The second year varsity man is feeling optimistic about the outlook on this season and sees his side having a good chance at bringing home a conference title, with only cross-town rival Forest Hills Northern standing in their way.

“Between this season and last, we definitely lost some talent with the departure of a couple of key seniors,” Jack said. “But, I still think that we’ll be able to recover well with the new guys. We have a pretty good shot at winning conference. FHN is really the only team in our way, but I’m just ready to get out there and play.”

For most of the new Rangers, they are just looking forward to getting out and playing in their first few matches. The pressure will certainly be on, however, for leaders such as Peyton, Jack, and Mike. The team will be looking to these three to boost the teams overall scores and consistent play. The trio knows the lay of the land, and with the help of TenEyck, they will be looking to break away from their past few seasons and punch a ticket to states. For the veteran coach, however, he will be looking forward to creating some new and lasting relationships with his players.

“I’m just ready to get out there and start hanging out with the guys,” TenEyck said. “Forming new bonds and learning as we go is one of the best parts of my job. We always like to emphasize that we are not just a team, but a family.”