Kats look to build momentum in spring opener
2/7/2016 9:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
The Sam Houston State men's golf team opens its spring slate Monday at San Antonio's par-71, 6,765-yard Oak Hills Country Club from the two-day 2016 UTSA Oak Hills Invitational, seeking to build on a strong finish by a youthful squad in the fall.
“I don't think the fall was a good indicator in terms of where we are,” fourth-year head coach Brandt Kieschnick said. “We were playing young but I think each week we were getting better. The freshmen were getting experience and I think will be ready this spring.”
The Bearkats, who regularly played three freshmen in the fall, saw several glimpses of a bright future including an 11th place performance from freshman Camden DeBonis (4-over, 217) and 27th place finish for freshman Mason Weld (8-over, 221) in the season finale at New Mexico.
According to Kieschnick, whose Bearkats have claimed two straight Southland Conference championships, this team has much resemblance to the squad of two years ago.
“Our goal this spring is to win two times and that will help us in NCAA rankings,” Kieschnick said. “We want to three-peat. Our game plan is geared to peak at conference. That's kind of what happened two years ago. I see this team as a 2014 championship team that is building with our apex being in the conference.”
In the opener, the Kats will be among 15 teams, including 2015 tournament champion Baylor. This season marks the third straight competing in the event with Sam Houston taking seventh last year. The Bearkats last won the event in 2007, shooting a 13-over, 865.
“Last year, it was our worst finish of the spring slate,” Kieschnick said. “We'll have a chance to see top 50 teams (No. 10 Oklahoma/No. 47 Baylor) at the event and through the next few weeks. The course is tight but we've taken the last three weeks to get ready for it.”
The Bearkats have played eight qualifying rounds, taking advantage of the quality to weather to get ready for what Kieschnick calls the 'meat of the schedule' with foes like Baylor, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Houston, Pepperdine and Oregon among others in upcoming competition.
“This is probably the hardest I've coached over the last three weeks,” Kieschnick said. “I've challenged them and they know I have their best interest in mind. Anytime I challenge them, it's to help them fulfill their dreams.”
Monday's opening round shotgun start begins at 8 a.m. with the first and second rounds scheduled that day. Tuesday's final round will tee off at 7:30 a.m. and live results will be available throughout at golfstatresults.com and at the conclusion on GoBearkats.com.
“We have three events in February and we can do some damages with the rankings,” Kieschnick said. “We're all one team and one mind. These guys have worked so hard and they believe in what we're doing. They will do great things, we're waiting to get a shot at it.”
