After strong 2002 campaigns, the Blooming Prairie boys' and girls' golf teams are poised to duplicate that success this season.

The boys' team lost only one golfer from last year's 17-5 squad that finished second in the Gopher Conference.

"Our top five positions are pretty well set," said BP head coach Erik Vigelund, "but the sixth spot is still wide open."

The top spot should be taken care of by junior Steven Busho, who is coming off an All-Conference MVP 2002 season in which he also qualified for sections. He will be joined by senior Blake Symes, who is looking to return to sections after a one-year hiatus.

"As our senior, we'll be looking to Blake to fill the leadership role this year," Vigelund said.

Juniors Scott Krejci and Jeff Wondra also bring impressive credentials to the team. Krejci is coming off a 2002 season in which he was All-Conference, while Wondra qualified for sections last spring.

On the girls' side, Vigelund hopes some of his younger players can fill the void of the two seniors gone from last year's Gopher Conference champion.

"We've got a young group coming up that doesn't have a lot of varsity experience," Vigelund said.

One of the bright spots will be returning sophomore Calla Swenson.

"She was All-Conference and went to state as a freshman," said Vigelund, "so we know she can do a lot for us."

Jessica Smith will have some extra incentive to have a good campaign, thanks to a freak accident that ended her 2002 season. After coming on strong late in the spring, she celebrated her All-Conference finish by fracturing her wrist while lifting up her golf bag getting off the bus from the conference meet. With that injury fully healed, Smith hopes to carry over some of last year's momentum into this season.

Senior JoAuna Iacovino will also be coming back for her sixth season of varsity play.

"She's worked hard in the offseason," Vigelund said. "She's like our utility player, always working hard, providing senior leadership."

Both teams begin their season April 8 at Hayfield.