Despite losing five players on its roster due to graduation in May, the Ball State University men's golf team still expects to have a successful fall season. With only one senior, Ross Cosat, coach Mike Fleck is hoping all his players step up and replace the leadership lost by those who graduated.
"We did lose guys like Brian Maurer and Andrew Rhodes, but it will open opportunities for other players and will be exciting to see who will earn those open spots," Fleck said. "I'm just excited to get back into the swing of things because it's going to be pretty competitive and our team will be deep this year."
A lack of senior leadership, however, is something Fleck is familiar with. Two years ago during the 2007-08 season, the Cardinals had no seniors on its roster. Although the players were inexperienced compared to the 2006-07 season, which included five seniors, Ball State was able to have a productive season. Fleck believes this year should be no different.
"We went through the same thing two years ago when we lost a lot of our senior leadership but still had a pretty good season," Fleck said. "It's good that Ross is coming back because I like what he brings to the table and junior Eric Steger will be a major component as well. Outside of those two, it is wide open as to whom will fill the lineup."
Steger, who is considered to be the Cardinals top player, will assist Cosat in leadership duties.
"Steger and Cosat have done a good job communicating to the younger guys all summer long," Fleck said. "They have made sure everyone has played well and stayed on course to work hard and prepare for the fall."
Last month, Cosat was named a Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar. He becomes the 24th men's golfer in Ball State history to receive the GCAA honor. By being a role model in the classroom and on the golf course, Cosat hopes to set an example for the younger players.
"Steger and I have taken the initiative to be the leaders," Cosat said. "We just want to lead by example and get everyone to practice even past what is mandatory by coach. We might not be the most talented group, but we have to be the hardest working."
Cosat says Ball State needs three other guys who can get the job done.
"With such a young team the experience isn't all there, but experience is overrated in college golf," Cosat said. "You can play one tournament and have all the experience you need. Once everyone competes in a tournament, everyone should be able to help. We will be successful if we get three other guys to consistently shoot around 74. Ultimately, we need players to understand what college golf is about and who aren't afraid to do it."
Because Ball State is playing easier competition in the fall, Steger believes the Cardinals will be able to ease into things.
"We are playing in lighter tournaments and we should be able to play well," Steger said. "Ross and I will have to play well, but it also depends on who else will step up and do some damage."
Although Steger understands Ball State lacks experience, he sees the vacant spots as an opportunity for his teammates.
"It's just a matter of who can fill the shoes from last year," Steger said. "Anyone can step up and play, including the freshman. At this point anybody can make an impact. We have been playing a lot of golf this summer and have all improved."
And that is only one reason Fleck isn't concerned about the youth in his roster.
On Aug. 9, Cosat won the Indiana Golf Association Indianapolis Amateur. Last season, Cosat carded a 75.63 average and posted two top-10 finishes.In June, Steger won the Indiana Golf Association Public Links Championship and in July he won the Indiana Golf Association Match Play Championships. He finished last year with five top-20 finishes, including one top 10. Furthermore, Steger qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championships from Aug. 24-30.
Ball State's most improved golfer, junior Anthony Novak, shot a 70 at the U.S. Open local qualifier to advance to sectional play. Last season he posted two top-20 finishes, including a victory at the Ball State Cardinal Collegiate.
In addition, freshmen Joe Gasser and Brodie Williams advanced to the final eight in the Indiana Golf Association Boys State Junior earlier this month.
"Every player has competed well this summer and will be ready to play," Fleck said. "Despite losing so many seniors, our approach will be the same. Our foundation rests in competing for a Mid-American Conference Championship every year. Our goal is to be competitive and with hard work and effort good things will happen."
The team will begin its season Sept. 12 at the Wolf Run Intercollegiate in Zionsville.
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