LAKEVILLE, IN. – Golf can be a tough game. It demands practice. And, there are some that would admit that golf is the hardest sport. As Luke Hillegonds takes over as the LaVille boys head golf coach, he has taken his guys back to working on fundamentals and working on preparation. Starting with practice. “Things have started off pretty well,” said the Lancer first-year skipper. “We aren’t focused on results right now, but rather we are focused on the process and improving each and every day. Golf is a tough sport. Lots of ups and downs, but we are going to focus on mental toughness and representing LaVille well.” With typical northern Indiana weather in March and April, managing the spring weather and being able to adjust on the fly has been a balancing act. “We have been inside working on putting quite a few days due to the cold weather,” said Hillegonds. “So far, we have been out to the course for a few days. We have been working on chipping and putting mostly, but we also did spend a day at the range working on our drivers and longer irons.” Sophomore Chase Schmidt and classmate Jalen Heilman are the lone returning letterwinners for the Lancers. “I got to coach Chase a little bit last year when I was able to help assist with the varsity team,” explained Hillegonds. “Chase is going to be a quiet leader on our team. He has improved his ability to get up and down around the greens and his swing has drastically improved since last year. He leads by example the importance of practicing with a purpose. He is great to have on the team. “I also got to coach Jalen a little bit last year,” continued the Lancer coach. “He is a good driver of the golf ball when he is confident. Jalen is relentless. He never has a bad attitude or gives up. He plays to the end and never displays poor body language. He has the right mentality about golf and will be a leader on this team as well because of his calm demeanor and friendly smile. He is great to have on the team.” New to the LaVille roster are senior James Purvis and freshman Riley Ort. “I had not met James until golf practice started this year,” Hillegonds said of one of his newest members. “James is a hard working individual with a good heart. He shows up and does everything I ask him to do. I haven’t gotten to see him play in a match before, but based on practice, I think chipping and putting is where he’ll excel. James is a great young man and I am thrilled that he decided to play this year.” Hillegonds was the junior high head coach and a varsity assistant last season so he has a connection to Ort. “I got to coach Riley Ort at the Junior High level. In the last year, since I first met him, I have seen a lot of improvement. So far this year, I have seen his touch around the greens improve. He is full of positive energy and he never fails to make his teammates laugh or smile. He is a great young man to have on the team.” Home matches will be played at Swan Lake this spring. According to Hillegonds, LaVille is trying to build this program up and help LaVille Golf flourish like we know it can. “We have a great group of guys who are fun to be around,” concluded Hillegonds. “Focusing on the fundamentals has been a big part of the season to start. Also, teaching guys the correct way to practice that will produce the best results on the course.” LAVILLE GOLF Head Coach: Luke Hillegonds (first year at LaVille) Letterwinners Lost: Karter Kaser, Caden Rush, Kyle Walker. Returning Letterwinners: 2. Sophomores – Chase Schmidt, Jalen Heilman. Newcomers: 2. Senior – James Purvis. Freshman – Riley Ort. Next Match: v. Bremen/Triton at Swan Lake, April 12.