by Akaash Saini

For the Globe/Times

MARYSVILLE — “In golf, an athlete can have lot of potential no matter where they start as a freshman,” said first-year Lakewood boys golf coach Eric Carlson.

Cougar boys golf has had many successes in the past. Many athletes have excelled in the program and have gone to do well in district and state tournaments.

Now the team turned a new page in its history with coach Carlson. A lifelong golfer, his hope is to establish a program of integrity with this team.

Looking at the roster, he has quite a young team. With only one returning varsity player from last season, Kolby Strand is the only senior on the team. A majority of the athletes are freshmen or sophomores.

Carlson said he believes the young players will be beneficial in coming years.

“Golf is one of those sports where you can really improve. Where as football or baseball, at this point by the time you’re in high school, you know where you stand. But in golf, between your freshmen and senior years, you can drop your handicap by 15 strokes,” he said.

Where the boys have one returning varsity player, the Cougars girls are bringing back eight golfers from last season.

Co-captain Peyton Mizell said she believes the team has a bright future but lack of confidence might get in the way. She believes more practice will help the team overcome this weakness. With all those returners, any one of them can step up and shine.

Mizell is entering her senior season of golf. She performed well last season and qualifying for the second day of district golf.

Those who want to catch a glimpse of these golfers practicing might be in for a surprise. Usually Kayak Golf Course is where the Cougars have called home. This season the practice location has been changed to Gleneagle and Cedarcrest golf courses.