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Lofty goals for St. Edmond boys

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: St. Edmond boys golf returning letterwinners are (left to right): Drew Schaeffer, Peyton Scott, Devon Wirtz and Ben Anderson. Missing: Noah Simpson and Tyler Rossmanith.

Matt Dillon knows a good golf team when he sees one.

St. Edmond’s first-year boys coach is well aware of what he’s inheriting with the Gaels, who are back on the links after missing the 2020 campaign due to the global pandemic.

Seniors Drew Schaeffer and Peyton Scott, who both have state tournament experience under their belts, return to anchor a group that “has a very high ceiling” if they play their cards right, according to Dillon.

“There’s a lot of potential here,” said Dillon, who is also St. Edmond’s head football coach. “I think our top two guys stack up well against almost anyone in the area and even all of Class 1A, given both their talent and experience as (four-year) varsity players.

“They hit the ball a long way, they’re accurate with their iron shots, and their short games are solid. Drew shot a 32 on the back nine at Lakeside last week. He’ll be a legitimate medalist contender at our meets this season. And Peyton isn’t far behind.”

Schaeffer and Scott were the second- and third-best scorers in the varsity lineup as sophomores in 2019.

Seniors Devon Wirtz and Ben Anderson will be joined by sophomores Caleb Schaeffer and Riley Travis in the season-opening lineup on Tuesday at Southeast Valley.

“Devon and Ben are seniors who have earned the right to prove themselves,” Dillon said. “We should have a pretty healthy competition with the rest of the varsity rotation and even including some of our young junior varsity kids like (freshman) Hayden (Derrig) and (sophomore) Carter (Rial).”

Dillon confirmed that the scorecard has the potential to change as the season progresses.

“Your (individual) performance dictates where you fit in golf, much like swimming or track,” Dillon said. “We’ll just have to see how it all plays out. The kids are working hard. It’s going to be an exciting group to follow, especially if Drew and Peyton go low and everyone else is able to complement that by being in the low-40s.

“It’s early, so there’s still a lot to sort out.”

Dillon is looking forward to having a front-row seat to it all, along with former Gael head coach and volunteer assistant Dan Streit.

“I knew that if the golf job ever opened up here, I would definitely be interested,” the 61-year-old Dillon said. “I’ve coached (golf) at three other (high school) stops during my time as (a football coach). I’m a huge fan of the game and what it can bring to these kids — not just in their skill level on the course now, but in the real world down the road someday.

“It’s a lifetime sport.”

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