Jeff Lindquist is better known as the boys' hockey coach at Bloomington Jefferson, but Lindquist is just as proud of the Jaguars' boys' golf team, which he also coaches.

Despite not having a single state qualifier in 2012, Lindquist believes this team has the potential to make some noise in the postseason. Getting the chance to prove it, though, has been the problem.

"It's been extremely frustrating for the kids," Lindquist said. "We should be playing matches and we haven't even been outside and had the chance to play nine holes."

When the golf courses do become playable, Lindquist cites experience and depth as reasons for his optimism.

"We have all five players back from last year and they all average in the 70s," he said.

Pacing the Jaguars will be the senior trio of Parker Tinsley, Josh Herman and Jono Lindquist — the coach's son — all of whom, Lindquist believes, have the chance to play golf in college. That explains Lindquist's growing impatience with the weather.

"Part of the deal is that [colleges] are going to want to watch them play," Lindquist said. "Having a coach's recommendation helps with getting into a school. Who knows how long it will be before that happens?"

Rounding out the top five are junior Michael Schmitz and freshman A.J. Robel. With senior leadership at the top and little drop off throughout the lineup, Lindquist feels Jefferson has a strong chance to survive the remarkably difficult Section 2, Class 3A.

"Our section is unbelievably good," he said. "Last year, seven of the top 15 teams in the state rankings were in our section. It's very difficult to get to the state tournament."

Lindquist believes, however, that this is the group has the makeup and the moxie to do just that.

"All of our players can hit the ball like a dream and we have older guys who have worked hard to get better. That encourages me," he said.

The best tennis tournament of the spring

Saturday's Edina Invitational is a must-see event for boys' tennis fans. All eight teams in the field are ranked in the State Tennis Coaches Association rankings.

The six ranked Class 2A teams are Wayzata (No. 1), Maple Grove (No. 3), Edina (No. 4), Rochester Mayo (No. 5), Mounds View (No. 7) and Mahtomedi (No. 8). Throw in the top two teams in Class 1A – No. 1 Blake and No. 2 Breck – and what emerges is the best lineup, top-to-bottom, of the season.

The first two round will be at various sites with the finals set for 2 p.m. at the Edina Community Center.