This figures to be a rebuilding year for the East Peoria boys golf team.
With the loss of three sturdy players to graduation, the Raiders have some openings and no seniors to step in to those vacated slots.
“It’s going to be a battle,” EPCHS head coach Chris Frasco said of the outlook for 2009. “It’s going to be an interesting year.”
Three-year player Ross Johnson, a junior, headlines the returnees.
Capable of shooting in the upper-70s or low-80s, Johnson just needs to work through some swing issues.
Robbie Rogers, a junior, also was a varsity regular a year ago.
Cody Scott, Travis Cox and Andrew Carvey all were Class 2A sectional qualifiers as seniors.
Scott and Cox landed second-team all-conference acclaim for an East Peoria team that finished seventh overall in the M-I.
Carvey was in the top 10 at the league tournament at Canton Country Club.
All five Raiders who played in the ’08 junior varsity league tournament for an eighth-place team were vying for a varsity spot in yesterday’s Raider/Redbird Tournament at Weibring Golf Club in Normal.
That group includes: juniors Alex Cole, Nate Hill and Austin Moberly and sophomores Kurt Klinkradt and Ryan Cox.
Ryan Johnson and Cody Lairmore, both freshmen, also were competing for a varsity position.
Others on the East Peoria squad are: junior David Haldeman, a first-year player, sophomore Austin Brown and freshmen Zach Hill, Alex Chapman, Cory Frick and Matt Hobbs.
Ross Brimberry, a sophomore, also was a candidate to play golf this fall.
The Raiders’ schedule this fall is the same except for the Normal Better Ball Tournament rejoining the slate in October.
Dunlap is the host of the conference tournament this year at Arrowhead Country Club.
Washington is the two-time defending M-I champion. Pekin and Metamora are expected to challenge the Panthers.
With very little varsity experience to lean on, it will be tough for the boys to compete with the area’s upper-tier squads.
Although this campaign could be rough at times, East Peoria may experience a turnaround in the seasons ahead.
“It’s going to get better,” said Frasco after seeing some diligent young players this summer in the junior golf league he conducted along with girls coach Ashley Higginson.
Saturday, the Raiders tackle Coyote Creek Golf Course, possibly the toughest layout they will face all year.
Next week, East Peoria jumps into the conference season with dual matches.
It hosts Canton Tuesday before returning to Coyote Creek Aug. 27 to meet Limestone.
