LUSK – Eddie Fullmer enters his second season as Niobrara County High School golf coach, and while the group is young, they are not inexperienced. Three of the four sophomore boys were letter winners last season and the lone Lady Tiger, Sierra Eaton is a junior.

Eaton finished eighth at state a year ago after a rocky freshman season, but both she and Fullmer feel a top five finish is possible.

“Sierra played with the top two girls in the state at the first tournament a couple weeks ago, and yes, there were nerves involved,” said Fullmer. “But she also learned that she’s got to compete against the best, if she wants to get where she wants. She has a great demeanor for golf, doesn’t get too high, doesn’t get too low, just very steady,” added Fullmer. “But there’s also a competitiveness in her too.”

Cory Bruegger, Camden Rose and Gabe Matthews struggled at the 2A State Tournament in Kemmerer as freshmen, yet Fullmer sees a bright spot with the trio. Already this season, Fullmer has seen more confidence, maturity and feeling comfortable going around a golf course.

“I’d love for them to develop a camaraderie on the course over the next few years,” Fullmer said. “And Tatum Stallman is new, but I’m excited to see where he fits in too.”

Fullmer has always been a goal-oriented coach and has visited individually with the players about setting goals. “We’ve talked about it and I want to make sure that the goals we set, are their goals and not just mine,” added Fullmer.

The Tigers and Lady Tiger season is already underway, and the tournaments are almost two a week until the state tournament in Thermopolis, Sept. 17-18.