2026 Trailblazers Golf Preview

GODFREY – After a challenging 2025 season, the Lewis and Clark Community College Trailblazers men's golf team is entering the new year with more depth.

With 11 golfers on the roster, increased competition for tournament spots and a renewed enthusiasm throughout the program, the Trailblazers believe they are positioned to take a significant step forward this season.

"We're mainly looking to compete this year," sophomore golfer Layne Wilkens said during the team's preseason media day. "Last year, it was the same five going every single week, and now we've got a lot more competition within the squad. We're going to be competing with much better teams this year."

Wilkens, who is studying Industrial Electricity and pursuing a career as an electrician, is one of only a few returning players from last season's team.

Sophomore Henry Neely, a Welding student from Godfrey, agrees the larger roster could make a major difference.

"We're definitely going to be up there with the better teams this year," Neely said. "It'll be a lot more fun."

Competition Breeds Improvement

The Trailblazers return just three players from last season, meaning the roster is largely comprised of newcomers eager to make an impact.

Freshman Kyler Koerkenmeier, a Business major from Highland, said one of his personal goals is earning a spot in every tournament lineup.

"As a freshman, I'd like to qualify for every tournament," Koerkenmeier said.

That goal reflects the heightened competition throughout the team. Unlike last season, players know their places in the lineup will need to be earned.

"I think competition is what we were missing last year," Wilkens said. "It felt like our spots were secure, and we didn't really feel like we needed to get better to make every tournament. This year it's going to take a lot more effort to make these squads."

Taking Aim at the Conference Leaders

After spending much of last season chasing conference opponents, the Trailblazers have their eyes on climbing the standings.

"We're looking to take down Illinois Central College (ICC)and Heartland," Wilkens said. "Those are the big dogs, and if we can get them in a couple tournaments, that'd be awesome."

Players believe their deeper roster and stronger internal competition will help them close the gap on some of the conference's top programs.

Golf's scoring structure means every individual round can have a major impact on team success. Typically, only four scores count toward the team's total, placing added importance on consistent performances.

"If you can put up a really good score, that's a huge part of the team score," Koerkenmeier said.

Home-Course Advantage

The Trailblazers also benefit from having Spencer T. Olin Golf Course in Alton as their home course.

Players say the challenging and well-maintained course provides excellent preparation for tournament competition.

"It's really nice, and it's pretty hard," Neely said. "It's nice that we get to play it every day."

Wilkens added that the team hopes to host a home event there during the spring season.

"It's a very nice course," he said. "We're lucky."

Personal Goals and Big Aspirations

While team success remains the priority, several golfers have set ambitious individual goals as well.

Neely hopes to improve his scoring average and become a more consistent contender.

"If I could average in the mid-70s, that'd be great," he said. "Get some more top-10 finishes."

Wilkens is aiming even higher.

"Maybe even win one," he said of a tournament title. "I'm looking to get a medal."

The competitive atmosphere makes chasing those goals even more enjoyable. Players described the team environment as highly competitive, but in a positive way.

"Nobody's cocky," one player noted. "Everybody wants each other to do well."

"If I get beat, I'd rather it be someone on my team," another added.

Choosing the Trailblazer Family

For many players, the family atmosphere created by head coach Shane Callahan and assistant coaches Tom Wills andDustin Duncan played major roles in choosing Lewis and Clark.

"I felt like Shane was very adamant on team building and the family aspect we have here," Wilkens said. "Other places seemed like they were all about the school and nothing about me. This place felt like they had my interests in mind."

Koerkenmeier said the enthusiasm of the coaching staff convinced him he had found the right fit.

"They were so excited about the season," he said. "Shane didn't stop smiling the whole time. Seeing a coach that excited about the sport was something I'd never really had before. It got me excited too."

Neely echoed those sentiments.

"When I met with Shane and Dustin, I really liked both of them," he said. "I knew they were great guys and great coaches, and I looked forward to playing for them."

With a nearly rebuilt roster, stronger internal competition and renewed energy throughout the program, the Trailblazers believe they're ready to make meaningful progress this season.

For a team eager to move up the conference standings, the message is simple: expectations are rising, and so is the level of play.

For more information about Trailblazers golf, contact head coach Shane Callahan at scallaha@lc.edu.