The men's golf team will open the season this weekend at the Big Red Classic in Ocala, Florida.-á
Ball State hosts the tournament, which includes Akron, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami University, Northern Illinois, and Ohio from the Mid-American Conference.
Head coach Mike Fleck, who is in his fifth year, will bring six golfers to the tournament: senior Kenny Cook, juniors Justin Cross and Geoff Harriman, sophomore Bud Graessle, and freshman Brandon Boomsma and Patrick Wilkes-Krier. A sixth and extra golfer is invited to the tournament instead of the usual five to get more golfers out on the course early in the year.
Fleck said he wanted to see how his team compared to the other MAC teams that will be Ball State's competition throughout the spring. His main focus is on the team's work ethic and preparation for the upcoming spring season.-á This offseason was different from most because of the snow and cold weather, which did not allow the team to get out and practice enough. Preparation for this weekend came at a local academy instead of the golf course.
Fleck said that mental focus and consistency are key ingredients for success this year for the Cardinals.-á
"This team is deeper than last year," he said. "We have a number of players that can do the job."
Cook is expected to be the Cardinals' leader of this season.-á
"This team has a fair amount of experience with seven golfers returning, but the younger golfers are in a position to jump in and contribute to the team this year. We have to get consistent scoring across the board in order to accomplish the goals we have set for the spring season."
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