By Aime Rutayisire, Sports Editor
Newman golf coach Lon Flippo said he has been proud of how the men’s golf team has come into the spring season, and he’s especially impressed by the team’s work ethic and fellowship.
Earlier this week the men’s team wrapped up playing at the Shadow Valley Invitational in Rogers, Arkansas, finishing 14th place out of 17.
The Jets saw elite play from several male players during the tournament, Flippo said, and he praised the emergence of freshman Mateo Vaca, who finished 22nd out of 92 players. Senior Charlie Townsend finished 35th, and Senior Braxton Muldoon finished 62nd.
Flippo said he has several ambitious goals for this year’s team.
“We are reaching hard for the Newman all-time scoring record,” he said.
Flippo said he also is ensuring every tournament counts.
“We want to get into regionals,” he said. “We want to grow and get better.”
The team is now preparing for the MIAA Conference championships, which are set for April 13-15 in Jefferson City, MIssouri. After that, the team hopes to advance to the NCAA Central Regional tournament in Big Rapids, Michigan.
In Flippo’s third year at Newman, he has been telling players to be committed to the process.
“Golf is a different sport,” he said. “You have a chance at any given tournament to win.”
Flippo has preached the importance of camaraderie with his team. He praised the team’s chemistry, saying it is the best it’s been since he arrived at Newman.
He also credited the team’s determination.
“I try to give them days off, but they just want to play anyway,” Flippo said.
The women’s team, meanwhile, has yet to start spring play. Their first match comes this weekend at the Hillcat Classic. The men’s team will also be playing in the Hillcat Classic starting on Tuesday. The tournament will be played at the Bailey Ranch Golf Club in Owasso, Oklahoma.
PHOTO: Courtesy, Newman Athletics
