All the signs point to a breakout year for the Demons girls golfers.”We had two state qualifiers returning, so things are looking up for Glenwood to rise to the top in our region this year,” said head coach Kathy Whiting. Seniors Jacy Reynolds and Kammi Ivie will be the No. 1 and No. 2 golfers in Glenwood’s varsity fivesome. Reynolds, who signed a golf scholarship to McNeese State University in 2004, primed herself for the upcoming season by playing 17 tournaments last summer. Last year Reynolds tied for 41st place in the two-day state tournament. This year, Whiting said, Reynolds’ goal is a higher finish.”Jacy has high expectations of herself,” Whiting said. Those expectations include recovering from a knee injury she suffered during basketball season.

“The surgery was successful, and (Jacy’s) doctor said she was OK to play golf. Her injury was on her follow-through leg, not her pivot leg. We’re very encouraged about that,” Whiting said.Ivie, who took 61st place at state, has improved steadily throughout her high school career.”Kammi is ready to go, and her swing is the best I’ve ever seen it,” Whiting said.Two juniors currently on the Demons girls basketball team – Emily Hauptli and Lisa Richards – honed their respective swings extensively last summer under the tutelage of volunteer coach Rich Ritter.”Emily and Lisa made a commitment to play golf and as soon as they made the commitment, they followed through,” Whiting said. “I think both are going to see success this year.”The move of former Littleton High School golfer Kristin Kramer to the area further strengthened the Demons roster. Other golfers who could see varsity action during the year are sophomore Megan Freyschlag and freshman Kimberly Wilson.

“We’re nicely balanced out,” Whiting said. “We have experienced, along with brand-new, golfers this year. That points for real success.” With three golfers on the basketball team, Whiting has moved the Demons’ first tournament action back to the March 14 Indian Invitational at Cobble Creek Golf Course in Montrose. RifleThis year’s Bears featured an experienced lineup with five players returning from the 2004 team, a fact that excites first-year coach Scott Zevin – despite the absence of any seniors on the roster.”We have five solid girls on the team, and they all have a great attitude of getting better – that’s vital.” he said.

Veterans Ashley Chastain and Trisha Wailes will give the team leadership on the prep girls tour, which begins Tuesday at Bookcliff Country Club in Grand Junction.Zevin said that both golfers are within reach of a berth to the Class 4A state tournament in May.Chastain and Wailes will get additional backing from lettermen Cara Pettinger, Carrie Kreimier and Kelsey Mallicoat – all sophomores.Freshman Kori Kosht, who’s looked good in the team’s early practice sessions, could push all five for a starting berth among the five varsity spots.”Kory has a great swing. Her swing is a smooth as a cucumber and she has a ton of patience,” Zevin said. “I expect her to be on the varsity the whole year.”Other newcomers to the program looking to crack the varsity roster include juniors Ophelia Leroy, Marcia Smith and Kaleelah Mangum. Sophomores Lindsey Creech and Kaycee King and freshman Amanda Quick.Grand Valley and Basalt are both fielding girls teams this year. The Cardinals open their season Monday in Grand Junction at the Warrior Invitational. No other information was available.