In boys golf defending state champion Cathedral returns three of five starters including 2008 state medalist Corey Ziedonis. The Irish won last years state finals by an overwhelming 22 strokes over runner-up Avon.

Avon returns three of its top five as well. Sophomore Patrick Rogers, a fifth place finisher at the state meet in 2008 leads a talented squad that will attempt to shorten the gap between itself and preseason favorite Cathedral. Two capable role players, in senior Andrew Wegeng and junior David Janney, join Rogers. Janney posted a 72 in the second round of the 08’ state finals.

Ziedonis’s top competition for the individual state championship may come from Mishawaka Marian’s Adam Sumrall. Sumrall finished runner up as a sophomore, and last season led the Knights to a No. 6 team finish. Crown Point sophomore Nick Grubnich will also be a contender for the individual crown. Grubnich shot 67-72 in last seasons state meet.

Hamilton Southeastern returns the most golfers from any of the top-nine teams from a year ago. HSE brings back a quartet of juniors who led the Royals to a fifth place finish in the Indiana in 2008 (all placed between 22-48).

The top team outside of the Indianapolis area to watch could be Chesterton. The Trojans placed No. 8 one year ago in the state meet and they are the only top team to return its best four golfers. Ryan and Kyle Grassell lead the way for Chesterton. Ryan Grassell finished No. 16 in state last season, shooting a 68 in round one.