With the golf season just around the corner, Coach Miley and some of his key players are chatting about what they hope to do this year. With several experienced players back, the team is aiming big: they want to win both the Three Rivers Conference and sectional titles. They are eager to grab that sectional championship again after missing it last year.

Coach Miley’s sure the team can play at a high level. “With the guys we got coming back, we should be in the running for both titles. We didn’t get it last year, so the team’s really focused on winning this time. Practices are going to focus on the basics – hitting, chipping, pitching, and putting – before hitting the course.” Miley says, “Golf is not something you pick up overnight, but getting better throughout the season is what the team is after. The returning team members will also help the underclassmen learn the ropes when it comes to course rules. One of the toughest aspects about golf is mental toughness. I have seen some really talented players mess up because they are not mentally strong or did not manage the course well,” Miley said.

That starts in practice, and you have to bring it to competitions. To help with that, Coach Miley is adding some competitive drills to practice so the guys get used to playing under pressure. Miley also wants them to train in the offseason. “I tell the players to play in summer tournaments to get used to the pressure,” coach said. Miley continued, “Working on your short game is important, too. Good chipping and putting can really lower your score.” Miley said, “I think if everyone tries to improve we will have a great season. We have a lot of potential (Trey Johnson and Cole Rush). If everyone works hard and tries to improve, we can reach our goals.”
For senior, Nolan Hines, this season is all about staying positive and enjoying the game. “My goal is to stay positive and have fun at practices and matches,” Nolan said. “It is not just about getting the best scores. If you get your head right, good scores will follow.” Instead of just working on one aspect, Hines has played many rounds in the offseason to better his game overall. Nolan also tried to get more power into his drive. As a senior, Nolan hopes to help the younger teammates improve. “I want to show the younger guys how important it is to stay calm and positive out there,” Hines said. One of Hines’ best memories from high school golf was winning the Logansport Invitational, especially after some trash talk from the other team. “This year, I want our team to win at least one tournament. It would be great for the new guys on varsity,” he said. Hines just wants to enjoy his final season, have fun, and make some good memories with his teammates.

For junior, Michael Myers, his sophomore year was a learning curve. After doing well as a freshman, Myers put too much pressure on himself, and it took a toll on his game. “This season, I am just going to try and relax and take it easy. Hopefully, I can hit some goals along the way.” Michael thinks that doing well individually is what makes the team successful. “You can only worry about yourself,” Michael said. “If you are stressing about everyone else, it is just going to hurt how you play. When everyone gets better on their own, the team gets better too.” This season, Myers is planning on sticking with one swing instead of changing it all the time. “I used to change my swing way too much,” Michael said. “This year, I want to find something that works and stick with it all season.” Before he graduates, Myers wants to win another sectional title and a conference championship. He is also hoping to shoot in the 70s consistently during weekend tournaments. Myers’ biggest motivation is to play college golf. Michael thanks multiple mentors for what he has achieved. “My first swing coach taught me how to work hard,” he said. “Albert Jennings pushed my skills and Coach Miley helped my mindset on and off the course,” said Myers. He also thanked James Burns for organizing summer tournaments that helped him gain experience.

The golf team is ready for success this year with people in leadership and experience. Whether it is winning another sectional title, improving individual skills, or helping younger players, everyone has a job to do. The hard work and dedication from the offseason will be tested soon. The players are optimistic about what they can achieve together. With the appropriate mindset and effort, the team thinks this could be their best season yet.