Sports
Moraine Valley golf due for a big season
Moraine Valley Community College golf is due for a conference championship, and they may have the right combo to make it happen this season.
Moraine Valley Community College golf is due for a conference championship, and they may have the right combo to make it happen this season.
Throughout the last few years, Moraine Valley finished second in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference standings. While they had the talent, other colleges edged past the Cyclones in a game requiring mental fortitude. Head Coach Matt Lovelace, in his 10th season leading the program, is hopeful this is the year they finish on top.
“We’re looking pretty good. Anything can happen in conference, but we’re due [for a championship], so hopefully it’s our year. We just have to handle our business and not think too much,” he explained. “We should have five really strong players. They all have great swings and did well in high school. I’m feeling confident.”
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Lone returner Matthew Pawyza (Lockport) brings his experience to the newbies after finishing 35th at regionals and earning No. 5 All-Conference honors last season.
Joining Pawyza are freshmen Joseph Charleston (Chicago Christian), Fionn Gormley (Tinley Park), Anderson Miz (Stagg), Rory Moran (Lincoln-Way East), Dominick Rallo (Hinsdale South) and sophomore Tayler Schade (Oak Forest).
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In a sport that often boils down to little shots and decisive putts, young golfers trend toward hitting the ball as hard and far as possible. Lovelace will put more emphasis on the short game to help at long tournaments. He also has scheduled practices to avoid days that interfere with classes to help golfers with their mental game and added a few different tournaments to the calendar to mix up the competition. With the region tournament moved to spring, Lovelace also wants to focus on scheduling more workouts this winter. For now, everyone is excited to start.
“I’m looking forward to the conference play and hoping we do well. We have a great group coming in and a great group of hard workers,” Lovelace said. “The guys are super excited to start. They’re fired up and ready to go.”
The Cyclones open their season in conference play on Wednesday, Aug. 27, at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club. For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.
