(photo courtesy of SPX Sports)
SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s and women’s golf teams begin their fall seasons this weekend. The Gustie men host a dual against St. Thomas on Friday at Le Sueur Country Club while the women travel to Sartell, Minn. on Saturday and Sunday for the Saint Benedict Invitational.
Both squads have bolstered their rosters with the men featuring seven returners and five first years. The women have four returners and welcome four newcomers.
Scott Moe, who is in his 23rd year as the men’s head coach and 15th in the same role for women, likes the depth of both teams and their ability to compete.
“This is a great group of student-athletes and so much fun to be around,” he said. “They have passion for success on the course and in the classroom. We already have a great team environment for them to have success. We have depth on both teams so there will be plenty of opportunities for players to perform.”
The Gustie men, who boast a conference-record 26 MIAC championships, are aiming to capture their first title since 2012. Reigning MIAC medalist and Player of the Year Jacob Pederson (So., Minnetonka, Minn.), who also earned PING Central All-Region last season, is expected to lead the charge alongside Ben Hauge (Sr., Ramsey, Minn.), who joined Pederson on the All-Region team.
Max Ullan (Jr., Blaine, Minn.) and Carter Czichotzki (Jr., Moorhead, Minn.) were also in the lineup for the MIAC Championships last season when the Gusties finished second, just four strokes off the lead.
“Ben and Max had outstanding years last year on the golf course and in the classroom, and I feel they will be perfect leaders for this team moving forward,” Moe said of his captains.
The women are seeking their first MIAC title since 2010 with a young, yet experienced, roster. Emily Kratz (So., Edina, Minn.) will be looked upon as a team leader after earning WGCA Midwest All-Region and All-Conference accolades last season. Fellow sophomores Erin Ericson (Onalaska, Wis.) and Sydney Regalado (Rosemount, Minn.) also had positive rookie seasons, both averaging less than 83.2 strokes per round.
Senior Lanie Altmann (Olivia, Minn.) is also back in the lineup after missing most of last season.
“I believe we have great leadership this year on both teams,” Moe said. “Lanie and Erin will bring a lot of passion to the team. Lanie is our lone upperclassmen and will be a great role model for our players both on and off the course. Erin has a great work ethic that will be infectious within our team.”
Both the men and women will compete in five events against nationally-ranked opposition leading up to the MIAC Championships in late September and early October.
“We expect our teams to show up every weekend and put forth our best effort every shot,” Moe said. “If we do that consistently, I believe we will have some great results. We put ourselves in a position to face outstanding competition each and every event, so absolutely nothing will be handed to us, we need to earn everything we achieve.”
BEST WISHES FOR A GREAT YEAR TO ALL GOLFERS.
LOOKING FORWARD TO WATCHING!!!!