Special opportunities

When Mark Stencel became superintendent of the Arrowhead Meadows Golf Course in Curtis six years ago, he had no previous golf maintenance or management experience.

"I'd been a farmer up 'til then," he said. Because of his brief experience, Stencel is shaking his head in disbelief at his selection as one of the key people in the development of the multi-million dollar Dismal River Club near Mullen.

"I'm floating around on cloud nine," Stencel said. "This is an opportunity of a lifetime."

The Dismal River Club -- designed by Jack Nicklaus -- is scheduled to open in July of 2006. It was therefore an honor to Stencel that he was selected to join the superintendent's team early in the development process. The project coordinator for the Dismal River Club, Dick Burtness, sought Stencel out. Mark is not exactly sure why, but he's guessing it was because of a visit to Curtis that showed the quality and care of the Arrowhead Meadows course.

Stencel is now splitting time between Arrowhead Meadows and the Dismal River Club, where he will serve as assistant superintendent with responsibility for resort development. "It's fun to be part of such an exciting project," Stencel said, "but it's hard to leave Curtis. It's a great community and will always be home, no matter where we live."

Tennis Triumph -- A young tennis player from McCook, Connor Larson, played a key role in the Nebraska 12's victory at a multi-state tournament in Edmond, Okla. over the Memorial Day weekend. In competition with 12-and-under tennis athletes from throughout the Midlands, Connor had a four win, no loss record in doubles, and a four win, one loss record in singles.

The Nebraska 12's defeated teams from Oklahoma, Missouri and Iowa to win the title.

Connor, who will be a seventh grader in the fall, comes from a tennis-playing family. His father, Greg, was part of a championship high school team in Iowa, and his brother, Austin, is a member of McCook High School's tennis team.