A year of growth in 2023 ended at the district tournament, and with three returners on the roster, Cassville’s boys golf team is looking to break back into the big dance.

Senior Cole Watts will lead a squad of nine golfers this season. He was the top Cassville finisher in the district tournament last year at 24th with an 89 (+17).

Jay Rogers, Cassville golf coach, said Watts’ potential to advance this year is high, and he may not be the only one.

“My goal is to have two or three guys qualify for the State tournament,” he said. “Cole missed it by just 3 strokes last year. A couple of the younger kids have quite a bit of playing experience and should have a good chance to qualify as well.”

Returning alongside Watts are junior Bradley Stumpff and sophomore Will Brooks. Cassville welcomes six new members, including four freshmen, Cheney Kelley, Kaleb Artherton, Kyle Brown and Dennis Craig, and two sophomores, Aiden McBroom and Tyson Bohmke.

“I’ve just started the process of familiarizing myself with each new member’s game,” Rogers said. “I think there is a lot of potential and a bright future for the program both in terms of individual play and team results.”

With Rogers learning his team and his team learning the game, staying mentally in tune will be a key for Cassville this season.

“So far, this group seems to have a good work ethic, and a good mindset to play this game,” Rogers said. “I’m excited to see what the season brings and watch as they develop and grow as golfers.”

Cassville’s season began on March 20 against Mt. Vernon and Aurora, and the Wildcats played in the Reeds Spring Tournament on March 21.

Cassville’s home tournament is set for April 4, and the Class 3, District 3 tournament will be on May 6.