Established 1826 — Oldest College Newspaper West of the Alleghenies

Golfers swing into season

Joe Gieringer, For The Miami Student

It's September, which means the fairways are trimmed, the bunkers are fresh and the Miami University men's golf team is ready to begin a new season.
With every starter returning and four freshmen on the roster, the Red and White look to build on the success that it found late last year as it heads into the Marshall Intercollegiate Tournament next week. After a summer of events and two weeks of competitive practice, senior Brett Tomfohrde said the Miami squad is fired up.
"We had some competitive play the past two weekends that went well for everyone," Tomfohrde said. "We were very prepared, especially the seniors. We're ready to lead our team to new achievements."
Head Coach Zac Zedrick had similar thoughts about the RedHawks going into their final year.
"The seniors are excited and I'm really proud of the ownership they've taken in this program," Zedrick said. "I'm the last thing this program's about - it's about the players."
Zedrick said the freshmen have also adjusted well to the program.
"[The freshman] had a little bit of a rough start, but they're just getting settled," Zedrick said. "It's a much different feel than anything they're used to, having to qualify to compete. They're feeling much more comfortable than the past two weekends, and they'll keep improving."
Tomfohrde noticed similar things in the newest RedHawk golfers.
"The freshman are starting to look pretty good," the senior said. "We're definitely seeing a lot of good signs. They respond well, they listen well - they're good kids."
Zedrick anticipates competitive play from his RedHawks heading into their first match.
"We're feeling confident and prepared," the second-year head coach said. "We had really competitive qualifiers. Preparation at home has been good and the guys really believe they're ready. We're working on being present in the moment, making sure we pay attention to details and taking care of the little things."
Tomfohrde said he is prepared. Heading into his senior year, he hopes to, "not worry and just have fun," some advice he recently received from an old teammate. Though bittersweet, he's looking forward to his final year.
"We want to have as much fun as possible," Tomfohrde said. "Working with coach and playing five qualifying rounds, we had plenty of golf to see who the top five lineup would be. We're prepared."
Miami tees off the season Monday at the Marshall Intercollegiate Tournament in Huntington, W.Va.
Seniors Ben Peacock and Brett Tomfohrde, juniors Mark MacDonald and Austin Kelly and sophomore Scott Cahill will start for the Red and White.