The golf team has a lot to look forward to this season. They’ve got the talent, the drive and a new indoor facility that should be completed in December.

But they also have a lot to overcome. In June, they found themselves needing a new coach and filling a void left from the death of Coach Jay Brewer, who died unexpectedly from a heart-related condition.

Ryan Huntze, the former Northridge Clubhouse Manager, has taken over as coach, teaching both the middle schoolers as well as the varsity and junior varsity teams.

“Both teams are very talented,” Huntze said. “And I think we can definitely make a run for state this year. We’re going to be a very goal-oriented team all year.”

Huntze has been assisting the varsity team at practice by introducing new drills, including some 6 a.m. workouts.

“I feel like our new coach is doing all the right things to make us as great as we could be,” sophomore Jack Wilson said. “I feel like over the summer, the entire team has gotten better. I think that we’re going to be better than last year.”

Senior Will Patterson said the boys team has the talent, but they are young.

“If we make it to state, the lack of experience could hold us back,” Patterson said.

In addition to drills, Huntze has them focusing on specific parts of their game.

“We’re really going to work on short game all year long,” Huntze said. “Both teams hit with the best of anybody, we’ve just got to be able to make putts.”

While they are focused on making this year a success, they can’t forget the coach that got them started. The golf team customized their uniforms to honor Brewer by having “JB” and “Brew’s Crew” embroidered on them. Additionally, the Tiger Classic held Oct. 11-12 will become the Jay Brewer Memorial Tiger Classic.

“We monogrammed our golf uniforms so that it’d feel like Brewer was always there with us,” junior Kenzie Parker said. “I know that when tournament season starts up, there’s going to be a lot going on. Having him be there with us is a really big deal.”

They also plan to have something in the new indoor facility, like a bench, in his memory. The facility, which rivals those of college programs, will include three hitting bays and a TrackMan, professional technology that can analyze a golfer’s swing.

“It’s what’s going to bring good golfers to Texas High, and we’re hopefully going to build this golf program to where it’s top notch,” junior Graci Henard said.

Henard, one of the returning players to the girls team, said they have the drive, but they need to work on prioritizing. She feels Huntze is moving them in the right direction.

“I think Coach Huntze is the right fit and what we need for the team. He engages with us and pushes us and isn’t afraid to make us laugh,” Henard said. “I think the team will grow closer and our season will be an improvement of last year’s. I think he’s going to be the calm to my storm, and he will pump me up when I need it.”