2008 Woodie Awards
MEN'S GOLF: Ball State hopes hard work reaps rewards
Players use summer vacation to prepare for upcoming year
Jason Marer
Even though Ball State's men's golf team is not required to participate in tournaments over summer vacation, Cardinals teammates were working hard to prepare for the fall season.
After a disappointing spring season, head coach Mike Fleck said he expects a more experienced lineup to help his team rebound and have a successful 2008-09 season. Except for a third-place finish in their final meet of the year, the Cardinals didn't finish better than sixth in any of their six other meets. Two of those placings were outside the top 10 in events that hosted 14 and 17 teams, respectively.
Last season, the Cardinals had no seniors on the men's golf roster. This year, however, Ball State has five seniors on its roster, which gives Fleck valuable leadership he lacked a season ago.
"Having five seniors this year affects things a lot," Fleck said. "The players have been through another season of experience, and I really like the fact that we have everyone coming back from last year's squad. That experience will definitely help as we try to be competitive not only in our conference or region but in the nation."
While many Ball State students relaxed during summer break, Cardinal golfers spent most of their time traveling to various amateur tournaments across the state.
"For the most part, all of my players have gone out and done what they needed to do to make this program better," Fleck said. "NCAA rules do not allow me to tell my players that they have to compete in the summer. However, I can guide my team in what tournaments they could play in. There are about six to 10 tournaments that the guys can compete in, which will help them improve for the fall season. My team has competed well, and I have been really pleased. Overall, we've had a pretty productive summer."
Teammates Andrew Rhodes and Brian Maurer, among others, participated in several local tournaments. At the Indiana Golf Association State Amateur, Rhodes finished third while Maurer tied for fourth.
After a disappointing spring season, head coach Mike Fleck said he expects a more experienced lineup to help his team rebound and have a successful 2008-09 season. Except for a third-place finish in their final meet of the year, the Cardinals didn't finish better than sixth in any of their six other meets. Two of those placings were outside the top 10 in events that hosted 14 and 17 teams, respectively.
Last season, the Cardinals had no seniors on the men's golf roster. This year, however, Ball State has five seniors on its roster, which gives Fleck valuable leadership he lacked a season ago.
"Having five seniors this year affects things a lot," Fleck said. "The players have been through another season of experience, and I really like the fact that we have everyone coming back from last year's squad. That experience will definitely help as we try to be competitive not only in our conference or region but in the nation."
While many Ball State students relaxed during summer break, Cardinal golfers spent most of their time traveling to various amateur tournaments across the state.
"For the most part, all of my players have gone out and done what they needed to do to make this program better," Fleck said. "NCAA rules do not allow me to tell my players that they have to compete in the summer. However, I can guide my team in what tournaments they could play in. There are about six to 10 tournaments that the guys can compete in, which will help them improve for the fall season. My team has competed well, and I have been really pleased. Overall, we've had a pretty productive summer."
Teammates Andrew Rhodes and Brian Maurer, among others, participated in several local tournaments. At the Indiana Golf Association State Amateur, Rhodes finished third while Maurer tied for fourth.
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