BRODHEAD — Brodhead had a successful 2022 season — the Cardinals finished fifth in the Rock Valley Conference and advanced to sectionals as a team. This year, head coach Eric Oliver has set the bar even higher.

“We are looking to finish above the middle of the conference and build off last year’s team success.”

Onni Oliver, Nolan Oliver and Jacob Moyer were key contributors to last year’s team. Onni has since graduated and continues her golf career at MSOE.

“Onni was an integral part of our team,” Eric Oliver said. “She was a score that could be counted on in each match.”

Nolan Oliver returns for his junior season. Last year, he qualified for the Division 2 state meet at Blackwolf Run. Nolan Oliver recorded the best average on the team and was a co-captain with senior Jacob Moyer.

“Nolan will be our anchor and someone we will depend on to set the tone for the team,” Eric Oliver said. “Utilizing his postseason experience will be an asset and something he can use to help shape this team.”

Nolan Oliver and Moyer will guide juniors Joey Brown, Jaxon Dooley, sophomore Ethan Bahlman and freshmen who will be expected to fill three varsity spots.

“There are three varsity positions to fill, so we’re looking for golfers to step in and build off last year’s team success,” Eric Oliver said. 

Eric Oliver understands that inexperience will be a weakness to start, but once his players compete in a couple meets, he hopes confidence will build.

“There are several new faces entering the program,” Eric Oliver said. “Match experience will be something we will be lacking.”

Come postseason, Eric Oliver expects to be competing with Evansville and Edgerton, as both programs “return some strong players from last season.”