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.
"I learned a lot this summer from playing in various tournaments," Rhodes said. "The main thing is that I gained valuable experience and learned a little from each tournament. Overall, I would say my summer went well, and the fact that I am still learning is always a good sign."
As a senior, Rhodes said he is ready to lead Ball State to a conference title. Taking in all the experience he gained last season, Rhodes said he is excited to implement what he has learned and help the Cardinals win.
"One thing I learned from last year is how important every stroke is," Rhodes said. "I never realized how close the final scores were. We could have won a few tournaments if we would have saved a few strokes. Now that we have five seniors, we have the leadership to win conference. If the team can play more consistent golf, we are capable of winning a few tournaments. We just need to grind it out as best we can and get the whole team to understand that each shot counts. I just want to work my tail off and have the team come with me."
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