Bearcats, Ladycats golf teams have strong potential again

Once again, the boys and girls golf programs at Aledo High School appear strong with the potential to do great things, noted head coach Brian Mourning, who is entering his third season at the helm.

Top returning players for the boys are junior Braden Stokes, who advanced to the Class 5A State Tournament this past spring. Also returning after regional experience this past season for the Bearcats are senior Ethan Elmore and junior Gavin Beard.

Back for the Ladycats, who also advanced to regionals as a team, are juniors Emily Crick and Harper Price, along with senior Reagan Gilliland.

Both the Bearcats and Ladycats continued a long tradition of winning District 5-5A last season.

Also, since the season is so long, players must be able to step up and give the team a level of consistency, Mourning stated.

Aledo will compete in District 5-5A again this season, joining Azle, Fort Worth Chisholm Trail, Granbury, Keller Fossil Ridge, Saginaw, and White Settlement Brewer. Gone are Northwest and Wichita Falls Rider, replaced by Chisholm Trail and Fossil Ridge, which dropped down from 6A.

"Not sure what the new teams in the district will bring, but we can’t control that," Mourning said. "We can only control what we do. Top competition? Granbury always has several kids that can play and are well-coached.”

Aledo has established itself as one of the best golf programs in the state with both team and individual accomplishments over the years. Mourning said the players take pride in keeping that tradition strong year after year.

“The tradition is a gesture to the type of kid that we have here," he said. "These kids are constantly trying to find ways to get better. I’m just happy to be a part of what they are trying to accomplish.”

While district, regionals and state aren't until the spring, Mourning said the fall is crucial in preparing for when those arrive.

“The fall is important because it allows the kids the opportunity to get out and work on their game. It also helps establish a routine that they can carry into the spring season,” he said. “We're looking forward to the year and watching the kids get better every day.”