By Grace Long, Staff Writer
With a historic individual performance by a member of the men’s team and a standout freshman on the women’s side, Newman golf is enjoying a strong season under first-year coach Lon Flippo.
The men’s team had its best placing of the spring season last week at the OKWU Spring Classic in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. The Jets placed third with junior Chase Martel, freshman Grant Delsar and sophomore Noah Ahrens all finishing in the top 15.
Another highlight occurred when Martel, from Raymore, Missouri, made history by becoming Newman’s first men’s golfer to place first at a tournament since the university joined the MIAA. On the final hole of the Konzem-Capra Invitational, Martel made a birdie to secure his victory by one stroke.
“The feeling of watching the putt go in was pretty awesome,” Martel said. “I knew I had the right line, and I told myself to just trust it.”
Flippo spent the last six holes with Martel, helping walk him through it.
“I’ve been watching Chase get better and better since the first tournament… It was great to see him accomplish a goal he’s always had. There’s nothing better in life. That’s what it’s about,” Flippo said.
Martel said he has enjoyed the connection he has made with his teammates throughout the year and attributes much of his success to his teammates and coaches.
“I have worked really hard this season to get to a high level in my game, and they have pushed me to get to this point,” Martel said.
The women’s team has been posting impressive finishes as well, taking second and third place in two different tournaments. The Jets posted a team score of 302 in a recent tournament, which was their lowest team score in years.
Freshman Keira Ronsick has been the standout performer on the women’s team with several top 10 finishes this season.
“She’s been in contention as a freshman, which is pretty remarkable,” Flippo said.
A Bishop Carroll graduate, Ronsick said it’s been a big adjustment to go from high school to college golf, but she’s been able to stay focused and play strong because of the encouragement and support she has received from her family, friends, and coaches.
“My goal for the rest of the season is to put my best foot forward with every shot I play so I can know that I did everything I possibly could to shoot a good score,” Ronsick said.
Flippo said that “absolutely amazing” things have been happening with both teams.
The Jets hope to carry this momentum into the MIAA Conference Championship with the women playing April 22-24 in Bolivar, Missouri, and the men playing April 15-17 in Kansas City, Missouri.
“Both the men’s and women’s teams now have a hunger to be competitive, and I love that,” said Flippo.
PHOTO: Matthew Fowler, A&E Editor
