Lewis Cass Golf Team Gearing Up for Postseason Run
As the spring golf season winds down, the Lewis Cass Kings are poised to make a strong postseason run. The team, in Coach Miley’s opinion, has progressively gotten better throughout the year and especially with 18-hole play, and he thinks they have a legitimate chance at sectionals. “A lot of the upperclassmen have really grown mentally,” said Miley. “They’ve learned how to stay in it, even when a round isn’t going their way. That kind of mental toughness is what wins tournaments.”
With three more 18-hole events and a full week of af ter-school practice ahead, the team is focused and ready. “We’re bringing back a lot of experience,” Miley said. “We’ve been first and second at sectionals the last couple of years, and I feel like we’re ready to play again.” Short game, specifically chipping and putting, has been worked on in practice lately by Miley. “Board-wide, that’s where we lose the most strokes,” he said. “So we’re working hard to clean up before sectionals.” One of those who has greatly improved this year is Cole Rush. He’s just a second-year golfer, but he’s secured a varsity spot and has come a long way from last season,” Miley said. As part of attempts to help the varsity golfers deal with pressure, Miley introduced The Focus Cycle, a book by Ben Carnes, to the team throughout the season. “The book talks about handling ‘Big Moments’ , those moments that bring extra stress,” he said. “Hopefully, it gave the guys a plan for how to stay calm and focused when it matters most.”
For senior Nolan Hines, this final postseason run is bittersweet. “It’s been a really fun season,” Hines said. “Everyone gets along, and we’re all improving. I’m happy where we are.”Hines also said his golfing career has come a long way since his freshman year, and now he feels most comfortable playing with his pitching wedge and low irons. In pressure situations, he tries to stay calm by hitting easy and playing smart. “In pressure games, I just don’t swing as hard or hit tough shots,” Hines said. A senior leader, Hines, tries to lead by example and be friendly and welcoming. “I just talk with the younger guys on the bus, in school, at practice. It makes them feel like part of the team,” he said. His favorite experience? “Winning sectionals a few years ago was just a great team moment,” he said. “And I’ll never forget Drew Sailors. He was always making people laugh and bringing the team together.”
The team this year also includes two exchange students, Japan’s Yuta and Germany’s Lorenz, both of whom picked up golf for the first time this year. “I wanted to learn something new, and I think golf is a life skill,” Lorenz explained. “The hardest thing is staying consistent and not getting upset.”. The highlight is just being around with the team,” Yuta agreed. “Golf is stressful, but it’s enjoyable. I wouldn’t play other sports with friends on the weekend, but I would play golf,” he said. He’s especially proud of his best shots and scores, which are really an achievement. Sports in America have been a fresh experience for both of them. “In Germany, sport isn’t linked to school you play for a club,” Lorenz said. “But here, it’s school spirit, and it’s fun.” Yuta also added that Japanese schools usually do not offer golf. “Most kids just stick with one sport their whole high school life,” he said. “It’s great to be on a team here.”
From seasoned veterans to foreign newcomers, the Lewis Cass golf team is filled with skill, integrity, and drive, and they’re ready to take it all to the course this postseason.
