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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

GSL golfers struggle with soaking spring

Usually, golfers play through any weather conditions.

That hasn’t been the case for Greater Spokane League boys and girls this spring. The overly wet weather has caused them fits.

Once GSL teams can get on the course regularly, though, it should be nothing short of a splendid spring. Not only should GSL team and individual battles be tightly contested, but the players who qualify for state could fare well.

The Lewis and Clark boys and girls, the dominant teams in recent years, are considered favorites. But they’ll have their work cut out for them.

The LC boys have won four consecutive league championships. But Mt. Spokane and Central Valley – both of which return their lineups intact – will challenge for the title, and Mead and Ferris are in the conversation.

LC is led by seniors JM Larson and Marshall Ruehl and junior Carson Fuhs.

“You really need six reliable players and right now we only have five,” LC coach Jim Travis said. “It’s going to be a competitive league for sure.”

Mt. Spokane, fourth at state last year, returns league MVP Tye Morrison, a senior, along with first-team selection Austin Billeter, a senior, and second-teamers Nick Thurston and Zack Spencer, both juniors.

Mt. Spokane coach Greg Schultz said he has 11 players battling for six spots.

“It promotes good competition within the team and it only makes us better,” Schultz said. “I’m not sure I’ve seen this many good players in the league.”

Mead returns first teamer Stephen Thoen, a senior, and senior Evan Dyar, a second-team pick.

“LC should continue to be a factor,” Mead coach Paul Peters said. “On paper, Mt. Spokane has a slight edge, but we’ll be nipping at their heels.”

CV returns first-team pick Joe Christensen, a senior, and junior Mark Beck, a second-team selection.

The LC girls have won eight straight league titles, six under coach Michelle Grafos. The string will likely continue, but Mt. Spokane and Mead hope to challenge.

Senior Megan Haase is one of five starters back for LC. Haase, who finished third at the State 4A tournament in leading the Tigers to third, has signed with the University of Colorado.

Also back are senior Sydney Kersten, who is headed to Princeton, and seniors Katie Larson and Morgan Frazier and junior Avery McKee. Freshman Sierra Kersten is challenging for a varsity spot.

“It’s going to be a really fun year,” Grafos said. “I don’t by any means think we’ve got it locked up.”

If a team can challenge LC, it’s Mt. Spokane. The Wildcats, second at state last year, are led by senior Savana Bezdicek, who has signed with Northern Arizona, and her sophomore sister, Sierra. Savana won the State 3A medalist title two years ago and Sierra, the GSL’s most valuable player as a freshman, was state runner-up last year. Three other sophomores round out Mt. Spokane’s lineup.

“The sophomores have spent a lot of time playing in the last year,” Mt. Spokane coach Eleen Northcutt said. “They’re showing great improvement already. The girls are pushing hard. They want to beat LC.”