Golf | Photo by Pexels | The Wright State Guardian
The Wright State University (WSU) golf team is expecting to have an outstanding season and trying to carry their momentum from last spring into the upcoming season.
The WSU golf team finished first and second in five out of the eight tournaments last season, before the season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. They are returning all starters from the previous season, and are hoping to reach new heights with the talent on this team.
“We definitely have the pieces in place to be one of the greatest teams in WSU history,” according to Brian Arlinghaus, the WSU golf coach.
In addition to returning all the starters from last year, they added grad transfer from Wittenberg, Cameron Willis. Willis is a second Team All-American, who was also part of the 2017 NCAA Division III National Championship team.
“Everyone is returning from last year, so we should be really good, we’re all trending in the right direction,” said Austin Schoonmaker, senior on the WSU golf team.
Dealing with last season being canceled
Every team across the country was dealing with tough circumstances due to coronavirus. The WSU golf team attempted to overlook what they couldn’t control.
“We were coming out in the spring really hot, and playing great. Coach emphasized to look for the silver lining in all of this and to stay positive,” said Schoonmaker.
There was so much uncertainty at the time and it was a challenge for the team to stay optimistic.
“It was an interesting couple of months. We went from the highest of highs, to coming home from the tournament in Orlando and finding out our next tournament was canceled. Then the following Friday, we found out the rest of the season was canceled,” said Arlinghaus.
The players seem to be more focused than ever, and will take nothing for granted going forward.
“If coronavirus did anything for me, it showed me that something you love can be taken from you with no notice. So now I try to cherish every swing I take,” said Bryce Haney, junior on the WSU golf team.
How the team has prepared for this season
The coach isn’t allowed to organize any practices currently, due to NCAA restrictions. The players however, have been competing throughout the summer in tournaments to prepare for the season.
“I have been playing really good golf this summer, and trying to stay competitive and play tournaments throughout the summer,” said Haney.
Arlinghaus has confidence in his players to remain focused and continue to improve, even though he isn’t allowed to practice with them.
“I’m not allowed to organize practices yet, but these guys are work horses. They love to practice and they’re having an outstanding summer,” said Arlinghaus.
The players seem to be approaching the upcoming season as they would any other season.
“I haven’t changed my approach to this season really at all. If anything, online classes have allowed us to get out there and play even more golf,” said Schoonmaker.
There is still an enormous amount of uncertainty surrounding the season. The WSU golf team will be in a great position to be extremely competitive if the season can actually begin.
