Coach’s plan could benefit local players

Jeff Tully

Mike Krose has a plan, and if it goes well, golfers in the city will

be lowering their scores and improving their games.

Krose -- the boys’ and girls’ golf coach at Burroughs High -- has

applied for a grant that will be used to pay for private lessons for

local high school players. There is also a chance the funds could be

funneled to middle-school athletes if they are not used by the

high-school players.

“This would be to benefit both the local high-school programs,

Burbank as well as Burroughs,” Krose said. “We are hoping this will

go through so we can start getting the lessons as soon as possible.”

Krose wrote the grant himself because he would like to see the

local teams improve and be able to play on par with the Santa Clarita

schools, which usually dominate Foothill League play.

But until the grant comes through, Krose -- and his counterpart at

Burbank, Rich Sarquiz -- have a boys’ golf season to get started.

Here is a look at how the season is shaping up:

BURBANK

Sarquiz said although the success of the Bulldogs will not hinge

on one player, the team will definitely be better if it gets the

services of senior transfer Denny Bae.

“Danny came from Fairfax and he was a very good player in the L.A.

City [Section],” Sarquiz said. “But he has a late class and he might

not be able to miss his class so he can play for us.

“But if we do get him, we should have three pretty good players.”

Returning are two accomplished seniors -- Danny Barber and Brian

Ko. The two have playing experience and are expected to be the team’s

most consistent shooters.

Two freshmen who Sarquiz said could make an impact are Con

O’Connor and Jon Gogli.

“John has tournament experience and he is a very consistent

player,” Sarquiz said.

Burbank -- which finished sixth last season -- will likely need

the younger golfers to come through if it hopes to compete for a

playoff spot in the tough Foothill League.

“Hart and Valencia should be tough,” Sarquiz said. “But I’m hoping

we can contend for a playoff spot and hopefully get some players in

the individuals.”

BURROUGHS

Krose is keeping his fingers crossed his Indians will remain

consistent and be able to compete in league.

“If we win a few matches this year, I will be happy,” said Krose,

who has 10 freshmen in his program. “I’m not really sure which way

this season is going to go. We will just have to wait and see.”

Leading the way is a good group of returning players -- juniors

David Hamanaka and Paul Lundquist and seniors Rob Stonecypher and

Chris Roseli.

Out of the freshmen contingent, Krose said he is most impressed

with the play of Jeff Loopy.

“Jeff lives at the golf course,” Krose said. “He is very

consistent and he doesn’t make a lot of mistakes.

“We are hoping Jeff can make it to the playoffs as an individual.”