ABOVE: Front row left to right: Henry Moore, Carter Martens, Caden Walders, Caden Zotz, Wyatt Leininger, Emmitt Bierstedt. Back Row left to right: Kaden Grimm John Waller, Jayden Hagedorn, Hudson Tirevold, Cole Nicoson, Drew Henderson, not pictured Draven Keeler.

ARMSTRONG, IOWA–The North Union Warriors boys golf team is set for another round of golf. Despite roster counts dipping and a 5-24 record last season, the new additions to the team are already showing promise.

“We have quite a few members who came back out this year,” said Warriors head coach Chris Hansen. “Though our numbers have ultimately dropped. We added Draven Keeler and Kaden Grimm to the roster this year, both of whom are showing good signs of progress already as the season starts.”

The Warriors’ focus this season is swing development and the short game, and the high school has fully committed to the team.

“The two biggest areas of focus that we’re working on currently are swing development and our ability to play well while near or on the green,” said Hansen. “North Union just invested heavily into making a sim lab for the golf team this year, and we are already starting to make leaps and bounds in correcting students’ swings and giving them the feedback that they need in order to turn them into better golfers.”

The goal for this season is to return to winning form for North Union.

“I’d like us to finish top 3 at the conference meet this year,” said Hansen. “That starts by fixing some of the golfers’ mentality and how they approach and see the game.”

In addition to team goals, the Warriors are hunting for team chemistry, and the buy-in from the team’s veterans has already begun to play a part in that.

“I’m pushing for team unity,” said Hansen. “I want the team to feel like family for all, not just the few who end up playing varsity, and our upperclassmen have really taken that idea to heart and run with it.”

At the end of the day, with golf being a mentally taxing sport it, comes down to attitude.

“With a good attitude and work ethic, you can put in the time and the grind to earn the ability to do well,” said Hansen.

The Warriors on Thursday with a 4:15 p.m. meet at Country Greens Golf Course.