Like many teams across the country, the Pioneers men’s golf team has had its fair share of ups and downs this season.
Despite an influx of newcomers and a rough fall season, the squad has rebounded in the spring, finding its confidence through a collective positive attitude and work ethic.
“The fall was definitely a difficult time for us with three new freshman, and it was certainly a challenge, but everybody kept mentality strong,” said head coach Eric Hoos. “The guys kept practicing throughout even though the winter weather made it hard.”
Hoos says this is one of the most positive-minded groups he has been around, which is an undeniable strength of the team.
“Every player thinks we can do well every time we compete, and they all have a strong desire to go out and work hard,” said Hoos. “This is the most positive group I’ve coached in years.”
In their first two invitational events back in September, the Pioneers finished near the bottom of the standings before plummeting to dead last in back-to-back competitions at the 13th Annual Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate and the 4th Annual Pacific Invitational.
Although it ended the fall season on a down note, the team rebounded with rigorous practice and dedication and placed tenth at the 2011 John A. Burns Intercollegiate back in February.
That event spring boarded them to their best finish of the year at the University of Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate, where DU placed 5th among 20 teams.
Junior Troy Anderson led the Pioneers in that tournament, matching his best finish of the year and finishing in 7th place individually.
“Everyone’s scoring averages have gone up this spring, which is a great sign for things to come,” said Hoos.
In addition to Anderson, the Pioneers have been helped by individual efforts from freshman Ole Ramsnes, a Norway native, and transfer CJ Kim, an Arizona native.
While the team has come around this spring, Hoos has noticed a change in his group of freshmen, who have begun to develop.
“It’s been a mixed review for the freshman, but this spring they have started to really improve,” said Hoos. “When you have so much youth, like we do, it can be a plus and a minus, because they are gaining a lot of experience.”
The Pioneers wrap up their regular season Saturday at the 65th Western Intercollegiate in Santa Cruz, Calif., before traveling to Muscle Shoals, Ala., where they will compete in the Sun Belt Conference Championship on April 25-27.
Last season, Denver placed dead last at the SBC’s, and although they haven’t found a consistent stride this year, Hoos is upbeat that his teams positively will prevail.
“The scores haven’t exactly indicated success so far, but we have a great group of kids,” he said. “The future is going to be bright for the Pioneers.”
