IU East News
It had some challenges.
The Indiana University East men's golf team endured low player availability numbers, difficult courses and tough weather conditions during its fall season.
First-year IU East coach Von Ebeling hopes the experiences make the Red Wolves program stronger for the regular season in the spring.
"All in all, the fall season had some challenges," Ebeling said. "Every team member had the opportunity to compete and gain experience. Looking to the spring season, I will be searching for players who are going to support the program and do what it takes academically to succeed."
Four players were available for the Red Wolves fall season finale at the Wittenberg Fall Men's Invitational.
Sophomore Riley McGinsie (Indianapolis, Ind./Beech Grove High School) finished the fall season with an 18-hole average of 82.6, the lowest average of that foursome.
"Riley likes to keep his scores in the low 80s and 70s and wasn't pleased with his (88) first round score (at Wittenberg)," Ebeling said. "After settling down he improved by five strokes (in the final fall round) and finished the season feeling better about his game."
Freshman Derrick McNeely (Connersville, Ind./Connersville High School) was one of two IU East golfers to compete in all three fall competitions. He finished the fall with an 18-hole average of 93.3.
"I am sure he will stay motivated in the off-season and will be geared up and ready for spring," Ebeling said.
Freshman Kacey Stollar (Greenville, Ohio/The Villages, Fla., High School) had an 18-hole average of 106.5 during his first fall of intercollegiate golf.
Freshman Holden Smith (New Paris, Ohio/National Trail High School) also competed in all three events on IU East's fall schedule. He finished the fall with an 18-hole average of 112.9, but improved his single-round score by 47 strokes by the end of the fall.
"I believe getting the experience in the first two events allowed Holden to focus and play better golf," Ebeling said. "As a freshman, he still has room for improvement and will have to assert himself in the spring."
