Four Years In the Desert

They spoke to each other twice, only exchanging pleasantries, but two times was all that was needed. Not that the rows and rows of state championship banners recognizing his nationally-renowned program didn't say enough - but the general respect that people showed Ed Kriwiel when they talked to him impressed Dan Phillips mightily. The aura surrounding Kriwiel wasn't complicated. He was a winner, and he did it by keeping things simple. After Kriwiel passed away in December 2007, a man who hadn't known the old coach became Kapaun's first new golf head in over 30 years. Stepping in for a legend is one thing; following the act of a 30-year coach is entirely unique. You're not just a new face; you're in waters uncharted by anyone still around. Blake Wells, who assisted Kriwiel in the spring of 2007, took over on an interim basis with the boys program last spring before resigning because of time constraints. So Kapaun searched for someone who could maintain the most prestigious boys golf program in the state. They found Dan Phillips. Phillips, who exchanged those two pleasantries with Kriwiel during his first stint at Kapaun which began in 2005, moved back to Kansas from Arizona last summer and was asked to be the new Kapaun golf coach. While Phillips does not have a deep history with Kapaun golf, it only took him a glance at the Kapaun trophy case to know what he was getting into. "I have had people ask me if I feel any pressure, and I say just look at the numbers," says Phillips, with a chuckle. "Nobody can replace coach Kriwiel, and I tell people to check back with me in 30 years and see how I have done." For most schools, being four years removed from a state title is perhaps considered good enough. But for the Crusaders, which have won 26 state championships, a four-year drought feels like four decades. After winning back to back titles in 2003 and 2004, the Kapaun boys program hasn't placed in the top three at the Class 5A state tournament. "It's not so much an expectation to compete for state as it is an obligation to the past players," sophomore David Auer said. "We have practiced our butts off to try and get us in that spot this year." Four returning players are what have expectations at the highest of levels this season. Alex Gilkeson, A.J. Gebert, Jack Cantele and Auer all played well down the stretch last season and finished among the top ten scoring averages in the City League. The postseason was where Kapaun slid. The Crusaders won their regional but after playing so well in their practice rounds, they finished sixth at state, which was a far cry from their hopes to compete for the title. Only Auer, who tied for fourth at state individually, finished in the top ten. "We really felt good and took all the right steps before state," Gebert said. "Obviously we left disappointed but I think we have learned our lesson." Despite the disappointing finish at state, Phillips thinks that was one slip-up, albeit at the wrong time, in the middle of a torrid ending for the Crusaders' 2008 season. Not only did Kapaun win the City League, but it also placed fourth at the highly competitive Hutchinson Invitational and won every other tournament in which it played. Building on that momentum, jumping out of the gates early and developing consistency is what Phillips has preached so far in practice. "We've discussed maintaining our play throughout the year," says Phillips. "We think we have the guys that can shoot consistent scores in the 70s all season long." While Kapaun is more than likely considered the favorite in the City League and their 5A regional, it isn't a lock. Bishop Carroll returns its top two players, plus other golfers with varsity experience, and Hutchinson brings back five of its top six from last year's team, which finished third at state. Also figuring into the state mix is Andover Central, a perennial state contender which moves up from Class 4A. The Jaguars have their top four players back after placing fourth as a team at 4A state last season. Ultimately, though, Kapaun is the team from the south that has the depth to pry St. Thomas Aquinas from its two-year stranglehold on the Class 5A title. "We think we have the team to do it," says Phillips. "Aquinas lost players from last year and aside from one kid that shot 68, everyone else was around 74 or 75 - I know that our kids can consistently shoot those scores." Both Gebert and Gilkeson played for Kriwiel two years ago and while winning was always preached, it wasn't the most important thing; playing your best and always competing were paramount. Sure, it would certainly be nice to win a state title, but all Gebert cares about is his team getting better and giving them a chance come late May. If that happens, then everything else will fall into place. "One of the last things coach Kriwiel ever said to us as a team was, 'No matter what happens, you are never failures,'" Gebert said - a great, lasting example of Kriwiel's impact on an historic golf program. The Crusaders' Competition Class 5A golf in the area is loaded this spring BISHOP CARROLL had the look of one of Class 5A's top teams a year ago, but an injury to top golfer, Nick Seiler, changed all of that. Seiler, who was a regional medalist in 2007, injured his left arm towards the end of the 2008 season. The Eagles ended up third in the City League and tenth at state. With Seiler healthy along with near 2008 state medalist, Caleb Childs, coming off his own injury, Carroll will be strong. Darick Stalnaker and Corey Reece, both state qualifiers for ARK CITY last season, are back. The Bulldogs also have two other lettermen returning, to go along with some emerging young talent. If the young talent develops, Ark City has a chance to return to the state tournament. Juniors Sam Sawyer and Wilson Long, both state medalists a year ago, return for WINFIELD, as do two other varsity players. The Vikings placed seventh as a team at state a year ago, and essentially the same team returns. With their junior class, Winfield should be a contender the next two seasons. ANDOVER CENTRAL is coming off a third-place finish in Class 4A a year ago. Most of that team returns, led by seniors Andy Sherman, third at state individually in 2008, and Alex Carney, eighth at state. Throw in juniors Randall Vautravers and Mark Anderson, and the Jaguars have as much depth as any team in the state. It has been five seasons since VALLEY CENTER qualified for the state tournament, the end of which streak is its main focus this season. The Hornets' top three spots are solidified with senior Cade Canady and juniors Jake Pritchard and Kevin Diehl. It will be a weekly battle for the final three spots. HUTCHINSON pretty much came out of nowhere to finish third at the Class 5A state tournament a year ago. The Salthawks won't be able to fly under the radar as easily this season, as they return five of six from last year's team. Leading the way are juniors Thane Ringler, who had nine top-10 finishes last season, and Evan Holcomb, a top-10 finisher at state.