PREVIEW: Panthers seek to fill out varsity lineup

     Monticello made history a year ago by qualifying its boys golf team to the state tournament for the first time since 1980.

     The Panthers will need to try to make a different kind of history this year, filling the gaps left after their top four golfers from last year graduated.

     Three letter-winners are among the 11 boys who went out for the team this year, led by senior Aaron Gearhart, who was the only Panther who consistently played varsity in 2016.

     Two others, juniors Kegan Arduser and Nash Sutterman, were occasionally in that top six that makes up the varsity squad.

     “We have three returning letter-winners that have all played in varsity competitions,” said Curt Tauke, now in his 34^th year as head coach. “And everyone has played in at least one invitational.

     “This year our goal will be to develop some depth and find a fourth score for our varsity team score. Obviously the fourth, fifth and sixth positions will need to be filled by some newcomers. We will have to see how those young players handle it.”

     The Panthers will also be without Jacob Manternach, a varsity player last year, who did not go out for golf so he could focus on baseball, Tauke said.

     The coach said Wilton should be considered a favorite for the River Valley Conference title, as the Beavers have all six of their varsity players back.

     “After that it’s really a tossup, with many of the top teams losing quite a few players. I think we can be competitive with a lot of teams in the River Valley North. I do believe that the South is a little tougher again this year.

     “But if we’re able to find a fourth score, we might be more competitive than some people think after losing five of our six varsity golfers from last year.”