Men's golf strives for greatness in the Crossroads League

The MVNU men’s golf team is gearing up for another year of success in the Crossroads League.

The Cougars finished up the season with a fourth place finish at the 2016 Crossroads League Championship.

The Cougars only lost one senior, but he was a key member of the team. Third-team NAIA All-American

Charlie Phillips graduated after breaking many MVNU records.

A big key to MVNU’s success will be establishing a leader like Phillips, coach Mike King said.

“Charlie was a remarkable player and he will be missed. However, I believe we have several young players that can step up and take Charlie’s place,” King said.

Senior leaders Jaron Brust, Ethan Doon and Seth King will have a chance to fill that role.

The Cougars also welcome three freshmen this season creating a team of 15 men.

Freshmen Austin Baker, Nick Harmon and Adam Grate have opportunities to immediately make an impact on the golf course. The freshmen “had solid high school careers and have the ability to become solid collegiate golfers,” King said.

“You really can’t replace a player like Phillips,” King said, adding that it will take a whole team effort to fill his shoes.

The men will tee off for the first time this season this weekend at the Malone Invitational.