Messenger photo by Eric Pratt: Fort Dodge boys golf seniors are (left to right): Alex Dohrn, Carson Kahler, Aidan Heistand, Jordan Lennon, Aidan Porter, Peyton Hays, Andrew Alstott and Kord Utley. Alstott and Hays were varsity regulars a year ago.

Fort Dodge boys golf coach Mike Mericle continues to preach the balance between being competitive and having fun on the course.

The Dodgers’ 2021 campaign tees off with an 18-hole dual against the newly-formed Waukee Northwest at The Legacy on Wednesday. Regardless of the individual scores or final team result, Mericle is hoping his squad — which returns only two letterwinners — learns the ins and outs of high-level CIML competition, while enjoying the experience along the way.

“Golf is a humbling sport,” Mericle said. “You can feel like you’re on top of the world one day or even one hole, and things can change in a hurry the next. So you have to learn to take it all in stride.

“I want our guys to set big goals when it comes to improvement and expectations for themselves. But it’s also important to not make it a bigger deal than it is. The mental (rhythm) you find is just as important as the physical one.”

Seniors Andrew Alstott and Peyton Hays return with the most varsity experience. The duo also stood as Fort Dodge’s statistical leaders a year ago.

“We’re hoping for big things from both of them,” Mericle said. “Andrew is our go-to guy at No. 1. He’s put a ton of time in and is looking forward to making the most out of his senior season. And Peyton is a really solid, reliable player.

“I think it’s great that we have nine seniors. Our first goal was to get more kids out for golf, and having that many in one class really sets a good tone to be leaders for the underclassmen. We’ll continue to strive toward better numbers and more participation.”

Senior Aidan Porter, senior Kord Utley, junior Carson Werning and junior Grey Westerhoff will round out the varsity lineup this week.

“Aidan’s really come a long way and has earned his spot,” Mericle said. “Kord’s put in the time. You can’t keep him off the course. And his scores are showing it.

“Carson is getting healthy after having some back issues. He’s a terrific athlete. And Grey came on strong at the end of (2020) and played some varsity for us. I like how our lineup is set up. We’re also looking forward to (St. Edmond transfer) Riley Travis (a junior) joining us. He has varsity experience (with the state-qualifying Gaels last spring) and a lot of potential.”

The annual Phil Joselyn Invitational will be Aug. 31 at the Fort Dodge Country Club.

Mericle is again assisted by David Louk.

2021 FORT DODGE BOYS GOLF

Roster

Seniors — Andrew Alstott, Peyton Hays, Aidan Porter, Kord Utley, Carson Kahler, Alex Dohrn, Jordan Lennon, Aiden Heistand, Drake Callon.

Juniors — Carson Werning, Grey Westerhoff, Riley Travis, Nathan Beekman, Fisher Novencido.

Sophomores — Evan Pratt, Lawson O’Brien, Zach Siebrecht.

Freshmen — Jayden Lennon, Landon Grandors, Logan Huffman, Trice Jakeman, Derrick Read, Carter Sassman.

Schedule

Aug. 18 — at Waukee Northwest; 23 — at Mason City Invitational; 26 — Mason City; 31 — FDSH Joselyn Invitational.

Sept. 8 — at Ankeny Invitational; 13 — at Ames Invitational; 16 — at Ames; 17 — at Marshalltown Invitational; 20 — at Indianola Invitational; 28 — at CIML Invitational in Ankeny.