Golf in the family

Golf is a family affair at South Winneshiek.

Senior Trevor Schweinefus, younger brother, Logan Schweinefus, and head coach Doug Schweinefus, who doubles as their dad, have helped guide the Warriors to the verge of the state golf tournament.

They will attempt to share in that accomplishment with their South Winneshiek teammates at the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 2A district meet Friday at Fox Ridge Golf Course at Dike, beginning at 10 a.m.

Golf has been a passion for the Schweinefus family. In addition to watching their dad play as youths, Trevor and Logan followed their cousin, Cody Schweinefus, who golfed for Drake after winning two state titles at Decorah.

'We grew up with it,” Trevor Schweinefus said. 'Definitely, it can be considered a family affair.”

Trevor Schweinefus said he enjoys playing with his brother, participating in a good-natured rivalry and working with his dad daily. He understands they are fortunate to share the experience.

'Not many kids get to have that opportunity, playing with their siblings or their dad,” Trevor Schweinefus said. 'I'm lucky to have both this season and last season, too.”

Doug Schweinefus is in his second year as second year, leading the Warriors boys' golf team. He jumped at the chance to teach young men the premises and intangibles of a 'gentleman's game” that he uses in business as owner of TLJ Grain, Inc. Doug Schweinefus said international colleagues play golf with perspective associates to gauge their merit, and he wanted to pass on the qualities taught by the sport. The ability to continue to work with his sons is a plus.

'It is any father's dream to be able to coach your son,” Doug Schweinefus said. 'We've played a lot of golf together. I traveled all over with them when they played in junior tournaments. We're a close-knit family.”

South Winneshiek has won all but one event this season, finishing behind only 3A power Decorah. Logan Schweinefus, a sophomore, averaging 72 over 18 holes, while his older brother has a 77.67 18-hole average. Tanner and Blake Kuennen average 83 and 87.67, respectively. Nathan Winter and Jerod Heying both average 90, giving the Warriors a deep, quality lineup.

South Hamilton sits atop 2A scoring. Aplington-Parkersburg is among the leaders, as well, and Waterloo Columbus has a strong tradition. The Warriors like their odds.

'We have two legit (No.) 1's on our team,” Doug Schweinefus said. 'Our three through six (golfers) are as strong as anybody. I think if those kids show up and play the way they are capable, we will advance. I'd be disappointed if we don't.”

Trevor Schweinefus qualified as an individual last season, finishing in the top 20. He was happy to be in the field last year, but not satisfied with his performance.

'It was good experience,” Trevor Schweinefus said. 'If I were lucky enough to make it back down there, I'll have a little different mindset and also putt better.”

He would prefer company, instead of making another trip alone. The Warriors have been focused on competing at Spring Valley Golf Course in Livermore on May 30-31.

'I hope the rest of the team will be able to come down,” Trevor Schweinefus said. 'It would complete our goal we've been working at all year and all the work we put in paid off.”

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