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MHS looks for seniors, youth to step up together
carson leuz birdie
Monroe’s Carson Leuzinger smiles after finishing with a birdie on the Par 4 No. 9 hole at Monroe Golf Club May 21. It was Leuzinger’s first-ever birdie, and he finished the day shooting a 50 on the Par 34 front nine. - photo by Adam Krebs

MONROE — The Monroe golf team returns all but one letterwinner from last year’s varsity team. And should the Cheesemakers stay healthy, the squad looks to compete better than last year’s run, where they finished seventh in the Badger South.

The team’s top two players are both back — junior Bert Leach is expected to slide into the No. 1 slot, while senior Carson Leuzinger will be the No. 2. 

“Bert will be counted on to score low in every match,” said Monroe coach Braden Rindy. “Carson is coming off a very good basketball season and will be counted on also.”

From there, while the letterwinners return, there will competition for the varsity lineup.

“We will have a couple of freshmen that may need to play some varsity. Aaron Benzschawel and Macie Engels have played in the Mike Muranyi Junior Golf Foundation for many years and might be needed to play some varsity,” Rindy said.

Rindy said this season’s goal is the same as every other year: to return to sectionals and compete for a spot at state.

“Consistent scores is our focus, and not getting a big number,” Rindy said.

While competition to fill in the varsity lineup is a good thing, depth in the program — especially consistent scoring depth — is a bit of a concern.

“A lack of numbers this year is a big concern, but the goal is to improve as the season goes along. We want those consistent scores to get lower as the year goes along,” Rindy said.

While the squad is looking to move up the team standings, Rindy said there is one team that stands out above all others in the Badger, and it is no different than in previous seasons: Madison Edgewood.

“Edgewood always has top players in the area play for them,” Rindy said.

Edgewood is the 4-time defending WIAA Division 2 state champion and returns three of their five state-qualifiers, including Al Deang, who was fourth a year ago, and Michael Yesbeck, who was the sectional champion. The Crusaders have finished either first or second in the state in each of the past 13 seasons. Monroe hasn’t been to state since 2006 and last won the title in 1995.