Coming off two straight state showings, the Mount Si boys’ golf team sees a change at the top this fall, with a new coach who himself is no stranger to success as a Wildcat golfer.

As a Mount Si senior, Proudfoot helped the ‘Cats finish as a state tournament runner-up in 2002, a performance only recently eclipsed by Mount Si’s runaway title victory in 2009.

This fall, Proudfoot takes over for longtime Wildcat golf coach Mike Johnston, who left following last season. He hopes his experience rubs off on players.

“Experience as a player will be beneficial for the kids,” Proudfoot said. “I can give them my insights on how to think their way around the golf course.”

The new coach will be assisted by two new assistants: John McDermott and Erik Tierney.

Anchoring the squad this fall are top returning senior Jack Kelly and a top newcomer, Sean Ballsmith, a junior who golfed the past two seasons for Eastside Catholic. Both players have competed on the summer Washington Junior Golf Association tour, and Kelly has also competed in events run by the American Junior Golf Association and Pacific Northwest Golf Association, in fact winning this year’s PNGA Men’s Amateur Public Links tournament in Bellingham, held August 28 and 29. Proudfoot is hoping these two players’ year-round focus will also rub off on the team.

“The one thing I think our team lacks is tournament experience,” Proudfoot said. “That’s one thing I’m hoping to change.”

He also seeks leadership from his two workhorses. Kelly and Ballsmith can help guide a fairly young but talented group. Junior Zach Frederick is also a face to watch.

A C-team squad was added to the program this season, which should help in growing the program’s overall depth, something which had been lacking the last few years despite all the success.

“Golf is only getting bigger in the Valley,” Proudfoot said. The youth program he is involved with has 400 athletes taking part.

Boys’ golf is a fall sport with a spring state tourney.