MONROE — The Cheesemakers finished six of eight teams in conference and were eliminated in regionals a year ago. Head coach Braden Rindy remains optimistic, though, as his top three players return.

Senior Bert Leach advanced to sectionals as an individual, while sophomores Aaron Benzschawel and Brady Spotts round out the top three.

“We have a lot of returning players,” Rindy said. “Hopefully the experience will start paying off for us.”

Seth Brandt, if able to play, will take the No. 4 spot while the last one is up for grabs. Rindy anticipates sophomore Macy Engels or freshmen Brock Brandli and Lance Scace to vie for this spot.

“We have some returning players and freshmen that may be able to help up this year,” Rindy said. 

While Leach qualified for sectionals as an individual in 2022, Rindy wants to see his entire team get there this year. The competition will be tougher, though, as Monroe moves up to Division 1.

“Our goal is to get to sectionals as a team,” Rindy said. “It’s going to be a tough one this year since we got moved up to Division 1. Another goal is to finish in the top three in conference.”

Edgewood, Oregon and Mount Horeb will be top contenders in the conference. The Crusaders have a winning tradition as five-time defending Division 2 state champions.