Two seniors lead young Chase County golf roster

The Chase County golf team will be young this year, but CCS Head Coach Marissa McDaniel expects seniors and returning letterwinners Nickolas Rau and Brice Vitosh to lead the way.
“We have a very young team, but they are eager to learn and put in the work,” McDaniel said.
“I would say that one of our strengths is our returning letterwinners being leaders with the newcomers and the team spirit,” she added.
McDaniel will be assisted by first-year CCS teacher Vanessa Taylor.
“I am very thankful that she was willing to step into this role and help out during her first year at CCS,” McDaniel said.
As is typical with spring seasons, the Longhorns have spent plenty of time indoors so far.
“We’ve had to start our season practicing inside and we really need a day outside, but I have concerns that the course may still be too wet if it doesn’t warm up or the sun doesn’t come out,” McDaniel said.
The coach said CCS is very thankful the community provides them with two courses on which to play.
CCS spends time at Enders Lake Golf Course and the Imperial Country Club.
“We want to be respectful and not take any chances of causing damage because it’s too soggy,” McDaniel added.
Looking over the schedule, McDaniel highlighted the Medicine Valley Invite April 14 as one the Longhorns didn’t go to last year, saying it will be a new experience for most of the team.
Last year’s season opener at Dundy County Stratton is still fresh in McDaniel’s mind.
“Our opener at DCS was terrible weather last year, but a great experience otherwise so I’m hoping we have nice weather and that contributes to more success this year since they’re our first meet again,” she said.
CCS will head to Benkelman April 5.
The Longhorns’ home meet also stands out.
“I’m always excited about our home meet. Trevor and Kari Amen do an amazing job supporting us and helping out with our meet in Enders,” McDaniel said.
While it’s been difficult to practice with this unpredictable weather, McDaniel said the Longhorns have a new putting green to use inside and some targets for their short game.
Those have helped make indoor practices more productive, McDaniel said.
While the team’s roster has not been finalized, McDaniel is expecting around 10 golfers to officially participate.