Prep golf: Teams to watch

A few teams to keep an eye on for the 2013 Class 4A boys' golf season.

Cedar Rapids Jefferson - The J-Hawks are heavy on the top end of their lineup when talent and experience are concerned. A quartet of seniors will lead Jefferson, including Zach Denny. He is coming off a season highlighted by first-team all-Mississippi Valley Conference Mississippi and all-Metro honors. Denny gives the J-Hawks to post a low score each contest. Mitch Willems, who was second-team all-conference and all-metro, will play a key role. Jefferson Coach Steve Koepke said Willems has been a bright spot, winning two events during the summer. Jake Van Oort and Jake Hansen give the J-Hawks a decent nucleus, but depth remains a question mark. 

Cedar Rapids Kennedy - The Cougars are loaded and hungry to improve a runner-up state finish, missing the championship by only one stroke. Kennedy has four sophomores from last year's state meet, including 2012 MVC Mississippi Player of the year Conner Koberg. Cole Murdock won the Rotary Pribyl, placing in front of runner-up Koberg and teammate Davis Sutton, who was third but was sixth in last year's state meet. Depth will be a strength again for Kennedy. Ross Grekoff is another junior with state meet experience, while Seth Nutt was first-team all-conference but didn't compete at state. The Cougars have a great chance to add to the program's storied tradition.

Cedar Rapids Xavier - The Saints are coming off one of their best seasons in program history. Xavier tied for eighth at the state meet after opening with an Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet title that led to a divisional championship. Four return from last year's state tournament. Ben Sagers and Matt Junge were second-team all-state selections with Sagers claiming MVC Valley player of the year honors. Senior Junge tied for 10th at the state meet last year, while classmate John Ingwersen tied for 16th. Jordan Even provides a solid fourth player. Coach Tim O'Brien noted the Saints have capable golfers to fill out the varsity lineup, adding to the team's talented scorers.

Linn-Mar - The Lions are in a small bit of transition. Longtime head coach Steve Kahler retired from teaching and coaching at the end of last school year. Bill Hoefle, a state champion golfer for Ames who played at Oklahoma State, takes over after serving as Kahler's assistant. The cupboard is far from empty. Junior Trevor McCann was a first-team all-Mississippi Valley Conference performer a year ago. Jason Gingrich, a senior, earned second-team all-MVC honors, and returns as one of the team leaders. Elliott Siefert gives the Lions a second senior starter, and sophomore Jake Sevcik is a fourth returning starter. Hoefle mentioned the golfers have worked hard to improve.