INA, Ill. (Sep. 20, 2023)—The RLC Warriors men's golf team is starting the season with a competitive spirit and high-ranking athletes.
Returning sophomores this year are Blaze Greathouse (Mt. Vernon), Eric Hernandez (Kissimmee, Fla.), Dalton Nichols (Dahlgren), and Austin Price (St. Cloud, Fla.).
Incoming freshmen this year are Carson Hoffard (Valier), Noah Ramos (Belleville), and Jake Williams (Chester). Williams had the best individual finish for RLC at the Illinois Central College Cougar Fall Classic, placing fourth out of 92.
Head Coach Corey Phillips said that he is impressed by the team chemistry and comradery that has already been established early on. He said that having a strong team mentality is a core value, especially with the competitiveness of their region. "To have everyone invested and focused is key to success," Phillips said. "One little lapse in concentration can cost the team a spot in the national tournament."
The goal this year is to qualify for the national tournament. Last year they were close but ultimately missed it by just six shots. Phillips said that he wants to make nationals as a team, but if they can't he hopes that some of his athletes will make it as individuals to represent their team and the college.
Phillips is greatly relying on the sophomores to lead the team to success through motivating the incoming freshmen, and they already set a positive tone for the others to follow. Greathouse, Hernandez, and Price are continuously pushing themselves and are in the top four players. Williams currently is the top scorer on the team.
The freshmen have already impressed with Williams leading the way as their top scorer of the season, and Ramos as the second-best scorer.
They have already had three matches and have three more they will be competing in this year. As a team, they placed fifth in the Highland Invitational, fourth at the ICC Cougar Fall Classic, and fourth at the Parkland Fall Invitational.
"We're looking for a victory or a top-three finish soon," Phillips said.
When asked to summarize what his goals for the season were in three words, Phillips said, "Compete every day." He continued with, "You're not going to win every time. You're not going to play your best every day. But staying involved and keeping up the energy is what it's all about."