SEASON OUTLOOK: Men's Golf Season Preview
IRVING, Texas – The University of Dallas men's golf team begins the fall season with a two two-day tournament on September 19-20. The season opener is hosted by Louisiana College at the Alexandria Country Club. First-year head coach Garrett Smith travels a roster of five student-athletes, including a pair of true freshmen. Smith joined the Crusaders' staff in March, 2016, and was at the helm for the final two tournaments including the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Championship.
Dallas returns three players from last year's group. Among the trio are Matthew Nickel (Wichita, Kan.), Oliver Rivers (Horsham West Sussex, England), and Thomas Schuberg (Camarillo, Calif.). Schuberg was voted team MVP in his debut season, and also is coming off a season best 75 (+3 par) in day two of the SCAC Championships.
Nickel is coming into his third season on the squad. He did miss last spring due to traveling abroad in the Rome program. Rivers and Schuberg were the two letterwinners for Dallas, each competing in all six tournaments.
"We have some great guys returning, in Tommy, Ollie, and Matt. I had the pleasure to be able to spend extensive amounts of time with both Ollie and Tommy this past season and was incredibly impressed with the makeup and character that they displayed. Not only do they have real talent and an enviable work ethic, but they are great guys as well. While I have not yet had the opportunity to see Matt Nickel [compete yet], because he was in Rome this past semester, I have heard great things and I am ready to get to work with him as well." –Head Coach Garrett Smith on UD Returners
Two newcomers look to make an immediate impact on the team. Erik Hamm (Brentwood, Tenn.) and Jacob Wade (Magnolia, Texas) expect to make their collegiate debuts on Monday.
"As far as incoming freshman. I am incredibly excited about this first class. For what we lack in quantity, we more than make up with in quality. Staying in Texas, there is Jake Wade from Magnolia. Jake is a powerful, long hitting, south paw. In getting to know him over the past few months I was not only impressed by the golf game but what kind of person he is as well. While quiet, and mild mannered in person he is a tenacious worker both on the course and in the classroom, and i know that he has every trait needed to be successful here at UD. Our second, and final incoming freshman is a young man by the name of Erik Hamm. Erik, is a resident of Brentwood, TN. Erik has displayed a strong passion for the game of golf and UD alike. His passion is contagious, and I can't wait to get to work with him. He has enjoyed a very successful campaign of tournaments this summer, and he will take this fine form into competition as a Crusader this fall." –Smith on UD Newcomers
As a whole, Smith is brimming with optimism for the five Crusaders teeing off at the Louisiana College Invitational.
"Overall it is going to be a very exciting fall season for the University of Dallas Men's Golf Team. I look forward to seeing the culture change and winning attitude come to fruition here within the program." –Smith's expectations for 2016-17
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