BLOG 4: Nationally-ranked men’s team has high expectations for regionals

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – One of the best-kept secrets this spring has been the play of Ferris State University’s men’s golf team, ranked 25th in the nation in the latest Golf World/Nike Golf Division II Coaches’ Poll (April 22).

The men’s team, according to FSU head coach Michael Mignano, “is enjoying its most successful season in almost eight years.” The squad is on a tear having won four straight tournaments – including two regional events and two tournaments heavy with Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference competition. With the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, Mignano is hopeful his squad will be playing its best golf at the right time of the year.

“We have worked very hard on the mental aspects of the game throughout the off-season as well as some rigorous physical conditioning,” Mignano said. “Juniors Eric Lilleboe and Kurt Valley have been solid as our one and two men in the lineup.”

But, it takes strong depth to be able to compete at the high levels of the GLIAC, region and nation. And, improved depth is precisely what Mignano sees when he looks at his lineup.

“Senior Kelbi Lee has also made significant contributions to the team all year,” Mignano said. “This team has embraced the team dynamic of college golf and the camaraderie is very impressive. They have qualified for Super Regionals (May 4-6 in Allendale) and expect to play well enough to qualify for nationals.”

In other words, expectations are high for this season’s Bulldogs.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com