An air of excitement surrounds the Cyclones, and many players have hit the links throughout the summer in anticipation of a complete golf season.

The 2020 golf year encountered some limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Cyclones were able to get in a slew of local outings, finishing third overall in conference and a notch higher (eighth place) in the Region IV tournament than in 2019. This season, two returners and four newcomers are ready to elevate their games.

Jack McDonald (Reavis) and Randy Miller (Stagg) are back and looking even better than last year. In the preseason, their game is cleaner and more solid, said Head Coach Matt Lovelace, entering his sixth season leading the program. Joining them are freshmen Noah Holstrom (Nazareth Academy), Ryan Krell (Oak Forest), Tommy Schaaf (Lincoln-Way Central) and sophomore Michael Smeraldo (Sandburg).

"So far I think we're looking pretty good. The returners and new guys are playing well," Lovelace said. "It's always a mystery how the other teams look, but our expectation is always to win conference every year, and we have a good chance. We have some top guys."

Because the golfers are coming into the season with more refined skills, Lovelace believes his crew can finish respectably, preferably in the top two at regionals to qualify for the national tournament. They will compete at PrairieView Golf Club two times, giving them ample time to prepare to play that course for the regional championship.

"We're already ahead of the game coming into this season," he said. "Everyone is super excited to play."

The Cyclones see their first outing – the Highland 36 – on Aug. 20.