Capital City boys look to make impact in postseason golf

Capital City's Blake Meredith hits a tee shot during last year’s Central Missouri Activities Conference Tournament at Jefferson City Country Club. (Julie Smith/News Tribune)
Capital City's Blake Meredith hits a tee shot during last year’s Central Missouri Activities Conference Tournament at Jefferson City Country Club. (Julie Smith/News Tribune)

Last year, the Capital City Cavaliers got their first individual players into the state golf tournament.

This year, the Cavaliers are ready for the next step.

“We had a couple of seniors who didn’t end how they wanted to last year at districts,” Capital City coach Caitlin Phoenix said. “So I think we have a little bit higher goals for that.”

Once again, the Cavaliers will be led by seniors Blake Meredith and Noah Coleman.

Meredith led the way for the Cavaliers’ fourth-place team finish in the Class 4 District 4 Tournament with a second-place individual finish at 78, just behind the top score of 76.

Coleman recorded an 88 for 14th at districts, earning the Cavaliers a second individual competitor at state.

“They’re kind of our anchor and I’m really leaning on them to kind of drive the rest of the guys and show them the work ethic and drive, the fire in them,” Phoenix said. “… I think having those two kind of at the helm rolling in, I think it will make a big impact. I think those two will be a lot more consistent.”

Meredith went on to finish tied for 20th at state with a two-day score of 78-81--159, while Coleman tied for 59th at 87-83--170.

“I think they are more determined than ever this year to not only return but make more of an impact at state,” Phoenix said. “And I think you can see that in their practice habits and I think the underclassmen are also seeing that.”

The pair will be joined by senior Eli Schuemann, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, as this year’s team leaders at the front of a roster of three seniors, four sophomores and four freshmen.

Jeremiah Dorge, Jeremy Dunn, Chase Lankford, Riley Luadzers and Maxwell Padberg are the sophomores, while Cole Kemna, Jett Knipp, Roman Kremer and Jonathan Wyatt are the freshmen.

Phoenix said after the top couple of scores, the rest of the regular varsity scorers are yet to be determined as the underclassmen get into their first meets of the year.

“It’s a little in flux right now, but I’ve got a rough idea,” Phoenix said of Capital City’s lineup. “… I’ve got an outline, but I need to see some scores start coming in to see where we’re gonna fall.”

Phoenix will get her first look today in a dual against Southern Boone starting at 4 p.m.

Capital City’s schedule is light on duals, triangulars and quads, but is filled with varsity tournaments.

After a triangular next Monday between the Cavaliers, Jefferson City and Warrensburg, Capital City will go to the Columbia Classic on April 4, the Boonville Masters Tournament on April 6, the Sedalia Smith-Cotton Classic on April 10, the Laker Invitational on April 12, the Helias Invitational on April 17 and the Jefferson City Invitational on April 24.

“It’s very tournament heavy,” Phoenix said. “So at least the varsity is playing a tournament or two each week and once it starts going, it goes fast.”

The Central Missouri Activities Conference Tournament will be April 26, and the Cavaliers are once again in Class 4 District 4 alongside Belton, Grain Valley, Grandview, Jefferson City, Kearney, Kirksville, Pembroke Hill, Platte County, Raytown South, Smithville, Van Horn, Warrensburg, William Chrisman and Winnetonka.

“So far so good as far as practices go,” Phoenix said. “… That transition from the mat to the golf course is sometimes a little tricky, but my three seniors are looking really good. With five sophomores and four freshman, we’ve got a lot of young blood that we’re trying to build up.”