Golf season preview: Young Stangs still a threat

By Tim Watanabe • September 17, 2009 7:38 pm
Redmond High junior Charlie Mroz earned his third-consecutive berth to the 4A state golf tournament this May by parring the par-4 fourth hole at Snohomish Golf Course in a five-way playoff on Wednesday afternoon at the Kingco District 2 Tournament. Mroz shot a team-best 81-77-158 in wet and windy conditions.
Redmond High junior Charlie Mroz earned his third-consecutive berth to the 4A state golf tournament this May by parring the par-4 fourth hole at Snohomish Golf Course in a five-way playoff on Wednesday afternoon at the Kingco District 2 Tournament. Mroz shot a team-best 81-77-158 in wet and windy conditions.

Much like the girls’ golf program at Redmond High School, the boys’ squad has been a dominant force at the 4A Kingco level for several seasons.

Mustangs coach Chris Zimmerman, who took over three years ago, has compiled a career record of 28-2 in league matches, a .933 winning percentage.

Unfortunately for the program, the graduation of several key seniors including PNGA Junior Championship medalist Alex Mroz, as well as solid ball-strikers Alex Abbruzza and Oscar Santamarina, have left some big shoes to fill.

Size 14 soft-spiked Foot-Joys notwithstanding, Zimmerman does have some young weapons in his arsenal that will look to prove themselves against some tough competition.

“We’re in a small rebuilding process, having lost four guys that went to districts last year,” Zimmerman said. “Obviously, the goal is to win every match, but if we can (finish) 6-3 for the season, I’ll be happy.”

Junior Charlie Mroz, who has been in the shadow of his older brother Alex, will finally earn the chance to take the reins as the team’s No. 1 starter.

“Charlie went to state the last two years and finished 16th last May, he played pretty solid for coming out his sophomore year,” Zimmerman said. “I expect pretty big things from him this year, and for sure, next year.”

The only other returners who competed in any league matches last year are sophomore twins Oliver and Lyle Rudnicki, who have improved over the summer and are ready to put up some low numbers.

“Lyle went to districts last year, but they’re both really solid,” said Zimmerman. “They’re both little guys, but they hit it real straight and have good attitudes.”

The team was also fortunate to pick up a freshman by the name of Jimbo Curtain, a talented player with a true home course advantage.

“He’s a member out here at Bear Creek (Country Club) and knows the golf course real well,” Zimmerman said of Curtain. “He’s been playing real hard all summer.”

According to Zimmerman, a lot of his players this season have little or no tournament experience, but by getting their feet wet against top-tier 4A Kingco teams like Woodinville, which returns state qualifier and district runner-up Jarrett Foote, Mustang golfers will learn how to match up against quality opponents.

That being said, “Coach Z.” hopes to be able to take at least three of his golfers qualify for next spring Class 4A state tournament at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco.

“I think Charlie, Oliver and Lyle have a legitimate shot, if they’re both playing well,” Zimmerman said. “Oliver just shot (one-under-par) 71 the other day, so they’re definitely capable.”

REDMOND HIGH GOLF AT A GLANCE

• Head Coach: Chris Zimmerman, fourth season

• Last Year: 8-1, 2nd place 4A Kingco

• 2009 turnout numbers: 11

KEY RETURNERS

• Jr. Charlie Mroz: Two-time state participant placed 17th at state tournament last spring. Look for him to be a consistent medalist at Kingco matches.

• Sophomores Lyle Rudnicki, Oliver Rudnicki: Sweet-swinging twins aren’t long off the tee, but are consistent and straight hitters. Both will add stability to the program’s future.

TOP NEWCOMERS

• Fresh. Jimbo Curtain: Bear Creek Country Club member has great potential.

• Soph. Kirk Gysler: Younger brother of graduated Kyle Gysler looks plays just like his brother: solid and consistent.

• Soph. Cole Helgeson, Srs. Ben Whitaker, Drew Fisher: Trio of JV returners who are expected to contribute and improve steadily over the course of the year.

BIG MATCH

• Thursday, October 8 vs. Eastlake, 3 p.m., Sahalee Country Club: This should be a competitive matchup against the Kevin Penner-less Wolves. But most importantly, as the final Kingco match before the 4A Medalist Tournament at Snohomish, it will give the Mustangs a chance to tune-up for the postseason on a tough golf course.

QUOTABLE

“This might be a kind of rebuilding year. I have a bunch of young guys that don’t have much tournament experience. I think if we could go 6-3, the season would be a success … watch out for us the next couple of years, though!” — Chris Zimmerman, Redmond High coach