Springs Valley Community High School

This season's Springs Valley boys’ golf team is going to look very different than the last couple years. Since Springs Valley has lost Ryker Allen, Blake Albright, Jack Dalton, Landen Noble, Jake Hammond, Owen Weisensteiner, and Max Pendley they will have to have a lot of underclassmen step up and take a role in the team. “Losing seven guys is difficult for any sports program, especially when they have been part of the program for so many years, Springs Valley coach Landon Harner said. “The most difficult thing about losing them in my opinion is only bringing back two guys who were able to play with them. We lost a lot of experience and leadership that is hard to replace.” With Kash Smoot and Van Leininger returning they will continue to contribute for the Blackhawks. Underclassmen Brycen Cave, Ethan Archer, and Brayden Nolley will be the freshmen on the team. These freshmen have been putting the work in to get better and help the golf team be successful. “So far, I think our two returning players have embraced the three freshmen and have taken them under their wing,” Harner said. “Kash Smoot and Van Leininger have done a great job of providing leadership and keeping things fun for the younger guys. I think we have grown a lot and created a great culture just a few weeks into the season.” The Blackhawks are getting ready to start their 2024 season. They have been focusing on having positive attitudes and not beating themselves. “We have been working a lot on things that we can control, such as attitude and staying positive mentally while on the course. Golf is unique because while it is a team sport, each individual has their own game to play,” Harner said. “We have to limit the risks on the course and save shots where we can. We are really trying to get the team to focus on their individual games and not worry about who they are playing against. We need the mentality of just playing the course and playing for our teammates.” The Blackhawks start on Saturday, March 30. They will host a tournament at the Donald Ross course. The tournament will be an 18-hole event. Springs Valley Blackhawks Last Season: 1st at Orange County, 1st at PLAC, 3rd at Sectional, 15th at Regional Coach: Landon Harner (1st season) Players to know: Brycen Cave (Fr.) Van Leininger (So.) Kash Smoot (Sr.) Games to circle: May 23 vs. Orange County, May 27 vs. PLAC, May 30 at Jasper sectional