There's a lot to be eager about this year. With two returners and a crop of talented incoming freshmen, the golf team is excited to get started and hopeful for a successful fall.

Even before the season officially starts on Aug. 24, Head Coach Matt Lovelace can tell he has a skilled group. With new Toptracer technology at the Cyclones' home course at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, he can see the launch and ball speed from his players, clear evidence of their high abilities.

Last year, the Cyclones placed second in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference with strong finishes in the NJCAA Region IV tournament. Two players from that successful team are back – Ryan Krell (Oak Forest) and Tommy Schaaf (Lincoln-Way Central). Krell should emerge as a leader this year. Schaaf played over the summer and won a scramble. "Tommy is going to be ready. He knows the courses we compete on and should do well," said Lovelace, entering his seventh season leading the program.

Joining the two sophomores are Caden Carr (Marist), Dan Davila (Argo), Benjamin King (Lincoln-Way Central) and David Prim (Oak Forest). King comes from a golf family, and Davila is the first player from Argo to compete for Lovelace.

"This seems like a solid group and maybe one of the best teams I've coached," Lovelace explained. "They're already pretty good in preseason, and everybody is excited."

Although the team always has its sights on winning a conference championship, the overall goal is to keep progressing.

"I hope we win, but, most importantly, I hope we improve all season. I want them to play better in a month and a half," Lovelace said.

The Cyclones open the season with a conference match at ThunderHawk Golf Club in Beach Park, IL, on Aug. 24.