The Blair Oaks Falcons have sent out a hammer or two in golf for the past few years.
Kory Franks and Tanner Elder each claimed a Class 2 state individual title and were four-time all-state players for the Falcons in recent seasons.
But with those two now playing in college - Franks is a sophomore at Missouri State and Elder is a freshman at Central Missouri - things are going to be a little different this year for Blair Oaks.
"You just figured with Kory and Tanner, you would always be at or near the top of each match or tournament," Blair Oaks coach Leroy Bernskoetter said. "But now, there's going to be some questions."
The cupboard isn't bare for Blair Oaks, which starts the season today at Fulton.
Jake VanRonzelen and Kyle Backes are state-tournament veterans for the Falcons.
VanRonzelen didn't qualify for state last year, but was 34th as a sophomore after tying for 58th as a freshman.
"Jake came out of football healthy and he's got his mind on golf and being successful this spring," Bernskoetter said.
Backes was 29th at state last year and posted a 79 on the second day in tough conditions. He was 67th the year before.
"That last round at state was a great round for Kyle," Bernksoetter said. "Kyle played a lot last summer, he's put in a lot of work and I think he's capable of having a great season."
Those two are being counted on to be leaders this season.
"The veteran guys have a pretty good idea of what's going on, you just need to check on them for the little things," Bernskoetter said.
Brayden Pemberton is another Falcon returner who has spent time on the varsity.
"Brayden has never been in the position where we needed him to be one of our top players, but we need it this year," Bernskoetter said. "And he has the ability to do it, he has the tools, he was close to making it to state last year. It's just a matter of him putting things together."
Jared Steinbeck figures to be No. 4 for the Falcons, while the fifth player has yet to be decided.
The Falcons have nine players out this season.
"That gives us two teams," Bernskoetter said. "And in practice, it's good because I can get to them all."
Blair Oaks is in a new district, with the tournament slated to be played at Versailles.
"I really think it's up for grabs and that has us excited," Bernskoetter said. "I really think we have a chance to win it and a chance to get to state.
"That is our goal, to get to state."
Bernskoetter believes his team, along with School of the Osage and California, figure to be in the mix for Tri-County Conference honors.
Blair Oaks will play in several tournaments this season - the Versailles Invitational, the Southern Boone Invitational, the Helias Invitational and the Capital City Invitational - as well as the Tri-County Conference Tournament. The Falcons will host their own Quad on April 27.