With a new coach, the boys golf team has high hopes to be better than ever and make it to state.

“We are better than years past,” senior Hunter Lundquist said. “We have an opportunity to be the best West has seen.”

The varsity team golfed in their first invitational of the year hosted by SMS at Deer Creek. The team had a rough start, struggling with strong winds and heat,

The team is made up of 12 boys; five of whom are on varsity and they participate in eight tournaments per season at various courses. Golf practices are located at Tomahawk Golf Course, St. Andrews, and Sykes Lady Overland Park, five days a week for three hours each day. Their practices consist of playing 9-hole games and practicing techniques such as driving, chipping, and putting.

It is the first year for coach Eric Gorenc, who played golf at Pittsburgh State, and is also the coach for the girls team.

“He is like one of us,” Lundquist said.

The team aspires to bounce back from their rough start and improve throughout the season.