The Michigan City Boys’ High School Golf Team is hoping to keep the steady momentum heading into the post season. With DAC’s coming to a close, the team hopes to finish high in the ranks and tackle sectionals head on.
Coach Jason Lenig of three years said, “Our goal is to win sectionals and then advance to the regional. From there we hope to advance to state either as a team or individuals.”
The season has been a series of ups and downs with upsetting loses and hard earned wins. This series of highs and lows has earned the team a record of 6-6 thus far. The team is fortunately full of talent on all levels giving the team depth.
“We have had a lot of different kids medal, so we have a lot of kids that can score. We just have to get everyone earning the same high score on the same day and we can beat anybody.”
The team has a combination of mental and athletic abilities that are keys to the game. For instance, the team has three experienced seniors Ryan Brickman, Josh Palmer, and Devin Gambill that show exceptional leadership to the underclassmen. The experience also lends a hand in knowing the courses of other schools.
Lenig explained, “Everybody kind of knows there position, so going to new courses is not anything hard for them. When you are on the road you have to expect to work a little bit harder, and these boys understand that.”
As sectionals approach, the team members need to focus on fine tuning small elements in their game. This involves working on their fairways, greens, putting, chipping, and consistency. Lenig stresses the need for each boy to pinpoint his own personal needed improvements.
“The boys need to identify what their strengths are and play to that as well,” further Lenig.
Of the course the team has a strong bond and has a lot of fun, particularly on road trips. A favorite team memory was the Coyote match in Lafayette. The team played one of its best matches and had a lot of fun.
Ryan Brinkman
Grade: Senior
Season expectations: “I am looking towards regionals.”
Devin Gambill
Grade: Senior
Season expectations: “I am hoping to play my best and help teach the younger guys on the team.”
Josh Palmer
Grade: Senior
Season expectations: “I am looking forward to playing well.”
Zach Biggs
Grade: Junior
Season expectations: “I am looking forward to playing varsity eventually.”
Tony Povlock
Grade: Sophomore
Season expectations: “I am looking forward to everything.”
Dakota Lombard
Grade: Sophomore
Season expectations: “I am look forward to playing and moving up in rank as a team.”
Jacob Hundt
Grade: Sophomore
Season expectations: “I hope to play every day and improve.”
Noah Nieman
Grade: Sophomore
Season expectations: “I am looking forward to sectionals and seeing how far we can go this year.”
Jake Martin
Grade: Freshman
Season expectations: “I am looking forward to improving.”
Aaron Skibinski
Grade: Freshman
Season expectations: “I am looking forward to playing golf. It is the most fun part.”
Coach Jason Lenig
“I am looking forward to advancing to state as a team, or at least individually.”