Jimtown High School

Jimmy golfers anxious to tee it up By Red Williams Freelance Sportswriter ELKHART - A conference title is foremost in the mind for Jimtown High School’s golf team, according head coach Matt LaFree. “We’ve got some pretty good golfers ready to go,” LaFree said during an interview in his school office. “And we’ve set our goal as winning the conference title.” The Jimmies have four lettermen returning who have some experience in the Indiana Northern State Conference. The champ last season was Tippecanoe Valley, while the Boys of Baugo finished with a 3-2 record (5-11 overall). Jimtown was hoping to start the season today (4.15.26) with a home match against LaVille at Black Squirrel Golf Course in Goshen. The weather is a bit iffy, and whether the meet went on was not available at press time. Top players missing from that squad are Tatsu Gravender, who sported a 47-stroke average in nine holes, and Chase Clay (53). Returning are seniors Jack Kite and Cooper Dillenbeck, who averaged 47 and 48, respectively, a year ago. Also back in the fold are brothers Leighton Gingerich (another senior) and Carson Gingerich, with averages at 51 and 52 last season. LaFree is expecting help from two new players on the team: Junior Ethan Creech and sophomore Luke Thilman. The Jimmies will play their home matches at Bent Oak Golf Club in Elkhart and sometimes Black Squirrel. LaFree said while the team has mostly been unable to get outside for practice, he has had the players reviewing videos dealing with the pace of play and rules.