Independent file photo Pictured above is the Wabasso golf coach Dave Blank (second from right) talking strategy at the Class A tournament on June 14, 2018. No team photo was available at press time.

WABASSO – With a two-year gap between competitions, the Wabasso golf team enters the 2021 season with some unknowns.

To counter the long layoff, Wabasso golf coach Dave Blank has his golfers going back to the basics.

“We have been working on the basics so far and swinging a golf club again,” he said. “I hope to spend some significant time on everyone’s short game in the coming week.”

One known that Blank is counting on going into the season is the experience of the boys golf team. There are 11 boys returning to the team this season, something Blank hopes will result in team success.

“Four of the five seniors have been on the team since seventh grade,” he said. “We hope to improve our position in the conference as a team goal and to challenge for a spot on the second day of the section tournament.”

Joining the team this year is senior Will Carlson, who is also on the baseball team.

While the boys team is loaded with experience, the same cannot be said of the girls golf team.

The girls program only has five total golfers, with three of the girls new to the team this season.

Blank hopes to see the girls develop over the course of the season.

“I would like to see us improve as the season goes and hopefully have three or four girls golfing varsity by the end of the season,” he said. “I hope to get them some experience this year so we can field a complete varsity team next year.”

Early in the season, Blank is keeping practices light and trying to not overload his players.

“After missing out on last year, I just want the kids to improve from week to week and most of all enjoy playing the game of golf,” he said. “I am looking forward to being outside on the golf course enjoying the weather and teaching the game of golf.”