SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The 2015-16 men's golf team enters the year looking to build upon last season with a solid blend of youth and experience.

Danny Sinksen enters his first season at Augustana as the men's head coach. Sinksen is a former head coach at the University of South Dakota and currently works as a PGA Professional at Elmwood Golf Course.

The Vikings return eight members from last season's roster which include two seniors, a junior, and five sophomores. Sinksen expects a roster full of experience to perform well and exceed expectations this season.

"I was really please with where the team was coming in," Sinksen said. "The expectation level is fairly high. I think they have a very good chance to perform well in the conference and make it to the Super Regionals this season."

The Vikings will have to find someone to step-up and fill the shoes left by All-NSIC First team selection Tyler Jensvold. With a good mix of talent returning Sinsken expects someone to step-up.

"You can't really replace him but he has gotten [teammates] ready to play the next year," Sinksen said. "You only travel five guys and each year someone steps up. We have five sophomores who learned a lot last year and still have two seniors. A good mix of guys that can help each other out."

Joining the coaching staff this season will be former Viking golfer Drew Trautman. Trautman graduated a season ago and posted a career average of 77.45 for the Vikings. Trautman adds a unique piece to the coaching staff being just a summer removed from his collegiate career.

"Having him around will be great for team unity," Sinksen said. "He's played all the courses we are going to and will be able to help out with the strategy of each course."

The two senior for the Vikings will be Clay Koplin and Matt Drake. Koplin played in all eight tournaments last season while posting a season scoring average of 76.45. Drake, one of three Sioux Falls natives on the roster, played in two events with an 85 scoring average a year ago.

The lone junior and second third of the Sioux Falls trio is Collin Hammer. Hammer played in four events a season ago posting an 80.89. His best finish of the 2014-15 season came on Sept. 8 at the Maverick Invite where he placed 19.

The sophomore class, which makes up over 60 percent of the roster, will be asked to step up contribute right away. The final third of the Sioux Falls trio, Parker Klitzke, competed in eight events a season ago posting a season scoring average of 75.95. Ted Urch appeared in five tournaments last season averaging a score of 79 in 10 rounds. Les Williams, Jake Weber and Dakota Waverek each played two rounds at the Quary Oaks Collegiate.

The Viking Golf team will open their season in Lake City, Minn. at the NSIC Preview event on Sept. 5-6 with the NSIC Championship being held there on Oct. 5-6. The lone home event for Augustana will be the "Battle At The Falls", Sept. 13-14 in Larchwood, Iowa.