The men’s and women’s golf team are both headed for important parts of their seasons
Greer still adjusting to coaching both the men’s and the women’s teams
For head men’s and women’s golf coach Mike Greer, guiding two programs through the ups and downs of a season comes with the job, regardless of where either team finds themselves.
After their weekend tournaments, both teams are at two different, yet crucial points in their respective seasons.
The men’s team finished in what Greer said was a “disappointing” seventh-place this past weekend at the Frank Wrigglesworth Blugold Invite. The women’s team traveled to UW-Whitewater for its Fall Invitational and placed second out of 13 teams.
The women’s team battled brutal conditions, Greer said, and he was proud of the way the team stayed focused despite the harsh winds.
“We came back the second day, and mentally the girls were really into the tournament,” Greer said.
Seniors Kate Engler and Emily Stone led the Blugolds, placing in the top eight. Stone came in sixth notching a 161 Engler tied for eighth with 163 strokes.
Stone caught Greer’s attention early in the season, and he said the First Team All-WIAC golfer brought a demeanor of mental toughness to the Blugolds on the course.
“She’s just a really rock-solid player that I can rely on,” Greer said.
Unlike previous weekends, the men’s and women’s competitions did not conflict as the men played on Sunday and Monday.
Last year the men’s team won their home tournament, but the Blugolds finished in the middle of the pack this year — something Greer said he was not happy about.
“Historically we defeat our home turf pretty well, unfortunately we didn’t do that this weekend,” Greer said.
Despite the unfulfilling finish, Greer said there were some positives he pulled from the weekend, one being freshman Ryan Isaacson.
Isaacson cracked the first team lineup for the first time and tied for 15th with 151 strokes. Greer said Isaacson’s performance was a strong one for the Blugolds, and from it came one of the few bright spots of the weekend.
With the past weekend behind them, the men’s team will look ahead to its two most important tournaments of the fall. The first will be this weekend at Gustavus Adolphus for the Twin Cities Classic.
Greer said regardless of the way the weekend went, his expectations have not swayed. He is pushing the men’s team to set their eyes on a first place finish this weekend.
“A win,” Greer said regarding what he would consider a step in the right direction for the team. “We are more than capable of that.”
With the men’s team’s eyes set on a top finish this weekend, the women will be staying home as they are off this weekend and will be preparing for the WIAC Championships in two weeks.