Golfers prepare for upcoming season

The Outlaws golf teams are ready to swing into action. Weather has not been an issue and players have been hard at work at the Aspen Lakes Golf Course hitting balls and working on their game.

The boys squad returns three experienced players including seniors Nathan Pajutee and Tyler Berg, and junior Nolan Ferwalt. Jacob Hansen and Jacob Jeppsen, who played JV last year, will fill out the fourth and fifth spots on the team.

Pajutee is an all-around solid player who drives the ball well and has a good touch around the green.

Coach Bill Mitchell stated, "I look for Nathan to be the boys' No. 1 player. He rarely hits a bad ball, and his consistency is his strength."

Berg strikes the ball solid off the tee and is also consistent in his swing. Mitchell noted that Tyler needs to work on his short game, as that is the place where players save shots and lower their score.

Ferwalt can drive the ball a long way and can hit it off the tee further than any player on the team.

"Nolan could potentially be our best player," said Mitchell. "He's capable of hitting 280 yards and has as good a swing as any. I'm expecting Nolan and Tyler to post good scores this year."

The Outlaws' goal is to win the conference and make it to the state tournament.

On the girls' side, Codie Lagao returns as the girls' No. 1 player. Lagao is consistent in her swing and can drive the ball well. Mitchell told The Nugget that Lagao has improved tremendously since last season.

"Codie is my hardest worker and I'm expecting to see that reflected in her score this year," said Mitchell. "She has really improved and is far ahead of where she was at this time last year. I think she's going to be able to really bring her score down."

Seniors Holly Chapman and Adi Goodwin are also back for another season and are expected to bring leadership to the team. Mitchell noted that he looks for the duo to post some good numbers for the team this year and he's counting on them to play important roles. Freshman Karly Vial is the Lady Outlaws' new addition and, according to Mitchell, is working very hard to improve her game.

Mitchell stated, "Both Codie and Holly played solid golf last season, and I'm expecting good things from them this year. I'm hoping they both make it to state on an individual basis."

"I'm also hoping that Nathan (Pajutee) and Codie (Lagao) have a great year. They are working very hard and have a strong commitment to the game," added Mitchell.

The boys' first match of the season will be Friday, March 15 at Tokatee and the girls will play three days later, March 18, at Crooked River.