A-J boys’ golf returns one senior; expectations high for girls’ squad

<p class="p1">Anna-Jonesboro Community High School golf coach Brandon Bierstedt would like to see a little more commitment to the sport.</p><p class="p1">“Boys and girls golf is growing at A-J,” Bierstedt said. “To get better, I would like to see them play year around and not just during golf season. But they need to stay active in golf year around.”</p><p class="p1">This year’s boys’ team only lost one senior from last season’s squad.</p><p class="p1">“We’ve got a couple of good upcoming sophomores,” Bierstedt noted.</p><p class="p1">Returning this season is the lone senior, Dale Prater. Juniors in the mix are Aidan Frick and Colton Lannom. </p><p class="p1">Sophomores comprise the bulk of the squad with Levi Hall, Jax Watkins, Justyn Harvel, Dawson Pearl, Colton Goins, Shane Vierstra, Aiden Bass, Hunter Ralls, Nolan Knupp, Andrew Ury and Alex Rogers. The lone freshman is Noah Craig. Bierstedt has high expectations for the girls’ team, which returns all the squad from last season.</p><p class="p1">The lone senior is Sydney Ray. Junior candidates are Meghan Smith, Tanner Stadelbacher, Chelsea Reiner and Hailley Abernathy. Sophomores are Morgan Sadler, Connar Hadley, Molly Houseright, Abby Scott and Maddison Thompson. Freshmen include Emma Ray, Chloe Gamber, Jenna Hammer, Britni Helton and Jacee Woodward.</p><p class="p1">The boys and girls are both scheduled to play Thursday, today, at home. The boys take on Goreville and Vienna and the girls play Goreville, Vienna and Cobden.</p>