Golf is back at Siuslaw High School, athletic director Chris Johnson confirmed Monday.

"It is exciting to bring back one of the traditionally strongest and most competitive programs in school history," Johnson said, "at least in terms of high-level success at the state level."

Recruitment is underway and the sport has the blessing of the Siuslaw School District.

"The Siuslaw 97J Board of Directors has approved boys and girls golf this spring," Johnson said. "We are in the process of having sign-ups.

"It will be a while before we will know if we will have complete teams or if the Siuslaw golfers will compete as individuals."

Physical education teacher Chuck Johnson is spearheading the effort.

The Vikings have as many state golf titles as football titles (three), ruling 3A/2A/1A in 1993 and 1994 and 3A in 2005.

Three Vikings have won individual titles, including three in 3A by Jesse Schutte in 2004-05-06.

Doug Kelley shared the 3A/2A/1A title in 1993 and Craig Stewart won the 3A/2A/1A title in 1996.

The OSAA web site has the Siuslaw boys in 4A Special District 3 with Henley, Hidden Valley, Klamath Union, Mazama, North Valley and Phoenix.

The Lady Vikings are in 4A/3A/2A/1A Special District 3 with 25 other schools, including 2A Bandon and Reedsport and 4A Cottage Grove, Junction City, Marist and Marshfield.

The 4A state title is scheduled for May 16-17 at Quail Valley Golf Course in Banks, while the girls final is May 16-17 at Eagle Crest Golf Resort in Redmond.

First practice for golf is Feb. 28.