BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Losing a duo of talented seniors to graduation would be a major obstacle for many college golf programs, but Moravian College Head Coach Kevin Edwards '96 sees it as a shining opportunity for a group of young golfers.
The Greyhounds return to the links for the fall portion of the 2013 season one year after going 4-0 in team competition and claiming the Cabrini College Classic title. The departure of two main contributors is certainly something to overcome, a feat which should be made easier with the influx of young talent.
"I'm excited about the year," said Edwards, who is also the PGA Director of Golf at Woodstone Country Club. "We lost two seniors, but we brought in some guys that look like great replacements. We're a young team this year. We're going to have to pick up a lot of experience quickly on some of the local golf courses. This will be the first time the freshmen are playing a lot of these courses. A lot of this season will be them gaining experience and transitioning into college golf."
Leading the list of 2013 returnees are senior Eric Schultz and sophomore Evan Dickinson.
Dickinson enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign with a low round of 69 on the Weyhill Course at Saucon Valley Country Club, helping Moravian beat Cabrini College and DeSales University in the tri match. The sophomore played in every round for the Greyhounds last season and led the team in 18-hole average with an 81.4. Dickinson has been voted to captain the 2013 squad.
Schultz brings a consistent golf game to the table, along with the maturity and leadership of a seasoned veteran. Schultz and Dickinson both contacted the new members of the golf team during the summer offseason, something that was not asked of them by Edwards. They personally introduced themselves to the incoming freshmen, going above and beyond what Edwards expects from team leaders. Schultz also contacted former Moravian golfers after the annual alumni tournament, thanking them for their support and wishing them well.
"Eric is our only senior and brings a lot of maturity and leadership," Edwards said. "He's been there and has done it all before. He can always contribute to our lineup.
"Evan is one of the strongest players on this team. He showed an incredible amount of leadership as a freshman, which is why he was voted a captain this year. I can see him being a captain for the next three years."
Also returning for the Greyhounds is sophomore Jim Maru, who shot back-to-back 76's last spring. Freshmen Dan Leppert and Aaron Brown are looking to crack the 2013 starting lineup as rookies.
"There's a lot of talented youth in our lineup, which bodes well for the next couple of years," Edwards said.
Edwards admitted that setting goals will be beneficial as this young team gets into the swing of the fall season. The fourth-year headman is gunning for a few tournament victories in the fall, as well as finishing the fall flight of the Empire 8 Conference Championships in the top half.
Junior Scott Nevenglosky and sophomore James Lobb round out the Greyhound returnees, while Edwards also welcomes freshmen Andrew Garino and Dan Loughlin to the lineup.
The Greyhounds open their 2013 season on Thursday, September 12 when they host the Moravian College Fall Invitational at Woodstone. Tee off is scheduled for 1 p.m.
The first two rounds of the Empire 8 Conference Championships are held on September 21-22 at Yahnundasis Country Club in New Hartford, N.Y. The final two rounds are held in the spring.
