By: Dana Becker

Messenger Sports Staff 

Kris Graewin has taken the Iowa Central men's golf program to new heights in recent years.

Now, Graewin looks to do the same with the women.

Led by returning national qualifier and Humboldt graduate Kelly Boleyn, Iowa Central's roster features more players than in years past. Boleyn is joined by Webster City grad Ella Dinsdale and Iowa Lakes transfer Abby Gaudian as sophomores with experience on the courses.

Freshmen Aly Harned, Faith Malloy and Olivia Tait round out the roster.

"We've had some additions to the program that have been great in a lot of different ways," Graewin said. "On the women's side, I think we have a ton of talent and I believe we've got a chance to challenge for a berth to nationals.

"Kelly is entering her last semester here and I really can't put into words what she's meant to our program and to myself as a coach. Her impact will be felt here at Iowa Central for a long time. Abby is one of the best players in our region and I'm excited to see her this spring."

After reaching the national tournament as a freshman, Boleyn just missed out on advancing last spring. She had 17 pars and a birdie during her three rounds at nationals, shooting a 272.

Boleyn also earned all-region honors that year and was a runner-up at the home invitational to go along with two other Top-5 tournament finishes. Gaudian earned fourth at the Iowa Central Invitational this past fall.

"The women have all been working extremely hard," Graewin said. "It should be a fun couple of months for everyone involved."

Austin Erickson, Sam Evenson, Matthew Kruger, Manning Lane and Justin Schipper are all back to lead the Triton men, who advanced to nationals two years ago and placed a program-best fourth. Erickson earned All-American honors that season.

"Our men's team flat out disappointed last spring," Graewin said. "The athletes had high expectations and I had high expectations, but we fell short. The group that we've assembled for the spring is one that I expect to compete every shot.

"We didn't always have that in the past. Missing out on a national tournament bid by six shots stung."

Behind strong rounds by Erickson and Schipper, Iowa Central claimed team honors at its own invite this past fall over ICCAC rivals Hawkeye, Iowa Lakes and Des Moines Area.

"Justin Schipper, Austin Erickson and Nico Booyens separated themselves this fall with their play," Graewin said. "We've added a couple of players that I think will help elevate our competition even more so for the spring. Losing a first team All-American in Liam Ross from the fall will be difficult to replace but we're up for the challenge.

"Our district is one of the toughest in the country and I think we'll be right there in the hunt come May 2."

Among the newcomers will be Fort Dodge Senior High graduate Andrew Alstott and North Union grad Parker Eichenberger.

Kris Graewin has taken the Iowa Central men's golf program to new heights in recent years.

Now, Graewin looks to do the same with the women.

Led by returning national qualifier and Humboldt graduate Kelly Boleyn, Iowa Central's roster features more players than in years past. Boleyn is joined by Webster City grad Ella Dinsdale and Iowa Lakes transfer Abby Gaudian as sophomores with experience on the courses.

Freshmen Aly Harned, Faith Malloy and Olivia Tait round out the roster.

"We've had some additions to the program that have been great in a lot of different ways," Graewin said. "On the women's side, I think we have a ton of talent and I believe we've got a chance to challenge for a berth to nationals.

"Kelly is entering her last semester here and I really can't put into words what she's meant to our program and to myself as a coach. Her impact will be felt here at Iowa Central for a long time. Abby is one of the best players in our region and I'm excited to see her this spring."

After reaching the national tournament as a freshman, Boleyn just missed out on advancing last spring. She had 17 pars and a birdie during her three rounds at nationals, shooting a 272.

Boleyn also earned all-region honors that year and was a runner-up at the home invitational to go along with two other Top-5 tournament finishes. Gaudian earned fourth at the Iowa Central Invitational this past fall.

"The women have all been working extremely hard," Graewin said. "It should be a fun couple of months for everyone involved."

Austin Erickson, Sam Evenson, Matthew Kruger, Manning Lane and Justin Schipper are all back to lead the Triton men, who advanced to nationals two years ago and placed a program-best fourth. Erickson earned All-American honors that season.

"Our men's team flat out disappointed last spring," Graewin said. "The athletes had high expectations and I had high expectations, but we fell short. The group that we've assembled for the spring is one that I expect to compete every shot.

"We didn't always have that in the past. Missing out on a national tournament bid by six shots stung."

Behind strong rounds by Erickson and Schipper, Iowa Central claimed team honors at its own invite this past fall over ICCAC rivals Hawkeye, Iowa Lakes and Des Moines Area.

"Justin Schipper, Austin Erickson and Nico Booyens separated themselves this fall with their play," Graewin said. "We've added a couple of players that I think will help elevate our competition even more so for the spring. Losing a first team All-American in Liam Ross from the fall will be difficult to replace but we're up for the challenge.

"Our district is one of the toughest in the country and I think we'll be right there in the hunt come May 2."

Among the newcomers will be Fort Dodge Senior High graduate Andrew Alstott and North Union grad Parker Eichenberger.

Men's Roster

Sophomores: Austin Erickson, Wisconsin; Sam Evenson, Wisconsin; Matthew Kruger, South Africa; Manning Lane, Minnesota; Justin Schipper, Hospers.

Freshmen: Andrew Alstott, Fort Dodge; Nico Booyens, South Africa; Parker Eichenberger, Bancroft; Kolby Gilroy, Bondurant; Jake Harris, Minnesota; Jordan Hellberg, South Africa; Kai Hielckert, South Africa; Sam Hlas, Adel; Jake Isaak, Minnesota; Alexander Moeller, Minnesota; Colby Ramsdale, Canada; Xander Silber, Buffalo City; Schuyler Warren, Salix.

Schedule: March 27-28 — at William Woods Invitational; April 3-4 — at Park University Classic; 7-8 — host Iowa Central Invitational; 17-18— at Missouri Baptist Invitational; May 1-2 — at North Central District Championship.