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M State golfers prepare to defend title
Published 10:20am Friday, March 8, 2013The winter has been harsh compared to recent years. No one has noticed it more than last year’s NJCAA National Champion M State men’s golf team.
The Spartans finished another successful season this past fall as they claimed the MCAC and Region XIII title for the second consecutive time and giving them a chance to defend their national title in June.
Playing in a season that begins in the fall and culminates with the national tournament in the spring, these winter warriors continue to work hard, in and out of the classroom.
“We are anxiously waiting for the snow to disappear,” Spartans’ coach Jason Retzlaff said. “We have been trying to excel in the classroom. We have study tables set up that our players are required to attend. From the golf standpoint, we have scheduled some practice sessions at some indoor facilities.”
Retzlaff also said that many of the players have been playing at indoor facilities on their own.
Last season, the Spartans anonymity played to their advantage as they were able to sneak up on several tough competitors and capture the title. This season, the competition will be ready for them.
“It will be a real interesting dynamic going there this year. Other teams will know exactly who we are and will be shooting to beat us.”
Retzlaff was quick to point out that this is a different team and the M State men should focus on their own game and not repeating.
“We just need to go in and play loose and hopefully give ourselves a chance to win on the last day,” Retzlaff added.
The Spartans will tee-off in Chautauqua, New York June 4-7.
