Between the returning and incoming players, the Cyclones golf team is looking to be competitive in conference this fall.

Last season, the Cyclones took third in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and ninth in NJCAA Region 4. One freshman finished in the top 20, just missing All-Region honors. Now the team wants more.

Having worked on their game all summer after the spring NJCAA Region 4 tournament, returning sophomores Ryan Flynders (Hinsdale South) and Joey O'Brien (Lincoln-Way West) should lead the way this season. They'll have help from the new players on the roster.

Casey Taylor (Marian Catholic) is a transfer student from Morton College, where he earned All-Conference honors last year. Matthew Pawyza (Lockport) has good swing speed and spends extra time at Cog Hill as an employee. Sean Pickert (Lincoln-Way Central) is following in the footsteps of his older brother who competed for the Cyclones last season. Pickert had a solid high school golf career and should be an asset. Sebastian Rak (Sandburg) is newer to the sport but already has a strong swing and is improving his game through lessons with a Cyclone alumnus.

The Cyclones are sticking to the same schedule as last season with conference action in the fall and the region preview and tournament in spring. Head Coach Matt Lovelace, in his ninth season at the helm, plans to focus on more short game work this season. Most golfers struggle around and on the green, so he joked that he will have the team putt for hours. In all seriousness, Lovelace wants to mix things up to strengthen his players and is excited to start.

The Cyclones open their season at the Highland 36 Invitational in Freeport, Illinois, on Friday, Aug. 23, which is a true test of stamina and confidence. Lovelace competed in that tournament when he played for the Cyclones and knows it's a long day that demonstrates how much the athletes truly love golf. He's ready to roll and see what his athletes can do.

"I'm looking for the guys to have a good experience, have fun and do well. I hope they work hard and want to be here," Lovelace said. "We have a good chance this season with the returners who know the courses. Plus, we have the confidence of the new guys. I just have to get them to perform when it counts. But heck yeah, I'm ready to go."