COLUMBUS, Neb. — Columbus High School Director of Athletics and Activities Tim Kwapnioski has announced the hiring of Pete Balerud as the new head coach of the Columbus High girls golf program.

"I am thrilled to welcome Pete Balerud to the Discoverer Family," said Tim Kwapnioski, Director of Athletics and Activities at Columbus High School. "Pete brings profound knowledge of the game and a deep understanding to course management.  Combined with his success as a player, he is going to be an incredible asset to our program. Our players are going to love learning from him."

Balerud takes over the program following the retirement of Robertson from coaching, who led the Discoverers girls golf team for the past 28 seasons.  Coach Robertson will continue to teach at Columbus High.

Pete joins the Discoverers from the North Bend Golf Course where he served as the General Manager and Head Pro from 2006 until his retirement in 2023.  During his time at NBGC the facility earned the #2 short course in the US ranking by Golf Advisor in 2021.  While at NBGC he participated in the Professional Golf Management Program and played in several Nebraska PGA sectional tournaments.  Pete is also a multi year winner of the Columbus City Golf Tournament and is one of a few individuals to have won it three consecutive years, 1999 through 2001.