Kangaroos/Lady Roos look to continue success

The Weatherford High School golf program has made itself a regular in the postseason in recent years, and with a slew of talented players returning there's no reason to think they won't be contending once again.

In the spring, the Lady Roos won the District 3-6A championship and advanced to the Region I Tournament as a team. They also won the league in 2023 and were runners-up in 2022 and 2024 and have had either a team or individual at regionals in each of the past five seasons.

Meanwhile, the Kangaroos last qualified as a team with a runner-up district finish in 2023. However, they've had individual regional qualifiers in 2022, 2024, 2025 and last season.

"We've been fortunate to build some consistency and have had a good run of success over the last several years," head coach Brandon Nicewonger said.

Kangaroos senior Carter Bruton leads the boys. He was second at district and is seeking a fourth consecutive trip to regionals, where last season he narrowly missed advancing to state with a ninth-place finish. He was also named second-team All-Region I.

Also returning for the Kangaroos are seniors Rawley Capps, Logan Henn, Noah Picasio and Mario Muniz, along with junior Madden Ward.

Back for the Lady Roos are seniors Sailor Chen, Linda Patterson, Erin Caldwell, Katelan Smart and Khloe Kuehler, joined by juniors Ava Cordary and Kennedy Bailey with sophomore Addison Parks.

"The goal now is to continue raising the standard of the program and put ourselves in position to compete at the district and regional level every year," Nicewonger said.

While the competition that involves postseason isn't until spring, Nicewonger said fall golf is extremely important.

"It gives us an opportunity to evaluate our players in tournament conditions, establish our varsity and JV lineups, and identify the areas we need to improve before the spring season begins," he said. "More than anything, tournament golf is different from practice golf. The fall gives our players an opportunity to learn how to compete, manage a golf course and respond when things don't go their way.

"By the time we get to district in the spring, we want our players to have been in enough competitive situations that they're comfortable when the pressure increases," Nicewonger said.

Weatherford will once again compete in District 3-6A, but it will have a new look. Coming up from being powerhouses at the 5A level are Aledo and Granbury, while Arlington schools Martin, Lamar, Bowie, Sam Houston and Arlington High round out the league.

"We're looking forward to the challenge. There are some very good golf programs in our district, and we know we'll have to play well when the spring season arrives," Nicewonger said. "Our focus will be on continuing to improve throughout the year and putting ourselves in the best position possible when we get to district in the spring.

"I'm excited about this group and about where our program continues to head. We have a good combination of experienced players and younger golfers who are going to have opportunities to compete this year."