PERRYSBURG — There has been a switch at the helm of the Perrysburg boys and girls golf programs.
Rick Rettig has gone from coaching the girls to coaching the boys, and Ryan DeLauter and Dan Thompson have switched from the boys to the girls.
Either way, these are veteran coaches with high expectations out of their golfers.
Rettig served 12 years as the varsity girls head coach, plus three years as a junior varsity boys coach. As a girls coach, his teams have won five Northern Lakes League titles and finished as Division I district runners-up once.
Rettig is a three-time Division I Coach of the Year honoree. The team he inherits went 9-3 overall last year in dual matches, including 5-2 in the NLL, finishing second in the league, fourth in the sectional and fifth in the district tournament.
The only thing is, his biggest inheritance is second team All-NLL selection Josh Weisenburger, who had a nine-hole average of 39.6 and 18-hole average of 81.1. The rest are underclassmen ready to make a splash.
Rettig says his son Ryan Rettig and Asher Lattimore, both sophomores, “had some varsity match experience last year.”
“Rhys Mandery (sophomore) is another JV golfer from last year that has dramatically improved,” Rettig continued.
“Elijah Morris (junior) has also improved dramatically from last season and looks to have an impact at the varsity level. Freshman Sam Korczynski had a very good season on TJGA (Toledo Junior Golf Association) and is looking to contend for varsity playing time.”
The NLL went from eight to 11 teams this year, gaining four schools and losing one school, and dividing into big school and small school divisions. Rettig remains unsure how his team may fare against the rest of the conference.
“Since the league has expanded it is difficult to know where we may finish. Anthony Wayne is clearly the top team in the area and should make a strong run to state,” Rettig said.
“While we are young, I don’t get the impression that this team isn’t up for the challenge. This team has a competitive desire that looks to be challenged,” Rettig continued.
“Considering we only have two home matches on the calendar, I think those tests on the road will only strengthen our team.”
Jackson returns to lead Knights
TONTOGANY — At Otsego, two-time Northern Buckeye Conference Player of the Year Elizabeth Jackson returns to lead the Knights.
She is one of four letter winners, including first team All-NBC selection Lizzy Budge, a junior. The other returning letter winners are sophomore Carley Etchie and Ella Kosinski.
Coach Nathan Luce, who is assisted by Scott Bylow and Hope London, returns for his 17th season. During Luce’s tenure, Otsego has won seven NBC titles, three sectional titles and advanced to the district tournament eight times.
This year’s Otsego team will be tasked with defending last year’s NBC title. Luce believes his team is capable.
“This season we hope to compete for another conference title,’ Luce said. “The NBC has added Maumee and Oak Harbor this year, which will add new golf courses and players. As always, we expect the NBC to be very competitive.
“Our goals this season are limiting mistakes during matches, staying focused and positive, and continuing to improve our short game. Team and individual results will be a product of our striving to reach these goals.”
