Xavier golfers look to future, not at past accomplishments

CEDAR RAPIDS – Some of the puzzle pieces are in place, while others need to be assembled in the remaining space.

Cedar Rapids Xavier's goal is to arrange them to create a picture-perfect season, following last year's state runner-up performance.

The Saints return four starters, including all-state selections Maddie Bertsch and Grace Winker, opening the spring golf season Thursday, April 10, at Airport National Golf Course.

Xavier was 75-5 last season, finishing second to Charles City at the Class 4A state meet and Cedar Falls for top Mississippi Valley Conference team honors. The Saints have their sights on future goals and not past achievements.

'It will be a challenge for them to improve on last year's accomplishments,' Xavier Coach Julie Kadlec said. 'It was an amazing season last year, but we don't want to focus on that. We want to focus on this year.'

A new season means new goals. The Saints weren't satisfied with second in a rain-shortened two-round state event, but it has added fuel to the fire for a better finish.

'It motivates us to improve upon last year,' Bertsch said. 'We saw what we accomplished. We should just build on that this year.'

Bertsch, along with Winker, have been cornerstones for the Saints since they were freshman starters. They have been vital contributors to the success, providing a scoring combination supported by fellow senior and tri-captain Kara Zwanziger and sophomore Amy Olberding.

Bertsch and Winker have been leaders, taking turns at the head of the lineup.

'They've maintained their positions as No. 1 and No. 2,' Kadlec said. 'They are the consistency we've needed and definitely have a lot of experience, playing all summer long.'

Bertsch and Winker have been the perfect pair. They feed off one another, while showing support. Kadlec said they are willing to share tips for improvement.

'They respect each other's play and style,' Kadlec said. 'On the course, they help each other.'

When most programs would take either as a top scorer, the Saints benefit from having more than one golfer capable of posting a low round.

'I think it takes the pressure off both of us, knowing we're going to have two good scores' Bertsch said. 'It also makes us push and improve our games individually, trying to compete with each other.'

Kadlec said Bertsch and Winker have developed their mental games. They have a unique ability to concentrate solely on the immediate shot and block out competition and conditions that surround them.

'They've done such an awesome job,' Kadlec said. 'It's just them and their golf game. They can put everything else out of their mind.'

Both earned top-10 finishes at the state meet last year. Bertsch, who will play next year for University of Northern Iowa, placed seventh, while Winker tied for 10th. Zwanziger has been a scorer for the Saints the last three seasons. Olberding provides another consistent top-four player, but a key for Xavier will rely on the emergence of a fifth and sixth player.

Bertsch said she thinks everything will fit together well this season.

'We need to get consistent as the season is coming up,' said Bertsch, whose individual goal is to place higher and end her prep career with a good round. 'I think a few other girls on the team are ready to step up and try to make their first appearance on varsity and have their scores count.'