GUYTON — Coach Henry Dickerson can breathe a little easy. The leader of the South Effingham golf team doesn’t have many question marks going into the season and is bringing back a bunch of talent.
For the boys, the Rebels return Trevan Hiechel, who was a state qualifier a year ago. Hiechel, along with fellow senior Alex Royal, will lead the pack.
“Trevan Heichel is a senior this year returning off a great 2017 golf season,” Dickerson said. “Trevan qualified for the state tournament as an individual last year. Alex Royal is also a returning senior with outstanding leadership potential for the ECHS 2018 golf season. John Youmans is a junior this year and he has returned this season with a new and improved swing. John is also a leader with quality potential. The boys round out the roster with Brady Holder, Cody Carroll and Corey Taylor.”
Rose Moss and Gracie Whitley will anchor the Lady Rebels. They are followed by a host of young players who will add depth.
“The young ladies are also a strong team this year with quality leadership,” Dickerson said. “Rose and Gracie qualified this past season for the state tournament in Gainesville at the Chicopee Woods Golf Course that was extremely challenging. Jayden Maennche is also a strong leader with a work ethic second to none.
“Rounding out the lady’s roster is Laura Edwards and Jade East.”
Dickerson said he is impressed with the team’s workmanlike approach.
“The biggest strength we have are older players that do not fool around when it comes to practice,” he said. “These young men and women are all business.”
Dickerson said the players are striving for consistency.
“Golf is tough,” he said. “I would really like to see our players become more consistent in their short game, which equates to strokes gained.”
Dickerson is eager for the season to being.
“I am looking forward to watching the young talent from our school and schools in our area,” he said. “Hearing a golf ball go ‘click’ off the club face or the distinct sound of a ball dropping in a cup after a putt never gets old. When you hear those sounds, they speak for themselves and everyone knows it’s good.”
The Rebels open the season today against South Effingham and Statesboro at Lost Plantation Golf Course in Rincon.