By Kenny Knudsen
Staff Writer
The Bryan College Men’s and Women’s golf teams have both triumphed consistently. The Men’s team has become one of the highest ranked teams in the nation, while the girls boast two of the five Appalachian Athletic Conference’s top-5 players.
“We have a good mix of players this year. They have a really good, family-like, relationship with one another. Not only are they good players, but they hold good character as well, which is very important,” Head Coach Peter Bollant said.
Seniors Danielle Grace and Kerrie Reinhardt have received awards this fall for being among the top-5 ranked players in the conference. Grace and Reinhardt have led the women’s team to new heights from last year’s season.
The men’s team has improved tremendously since last year’s season as well. Led by senior Dean Hoare, 26th in the nation, and junior Colby Roach, 86th in the nation, the men’s team has shone this fall.
The team dominated at the Union Bulldog Invitational, walking away with the first place trophy. Hoare placed first overall in the field, and Roach finished tied for 3rd.The men’s team improved after the tournament to 7th in the nation, defeating number 19 Union College.
Hoare attributed the team’s success to Bollant’s exceptional recruiting, and Roach really stepping up and being consistent.
“Nick Scully, Casey Zimmerman, and Clayton Myers have all performed well for their freshman year. They will develop into good players in a short amount of time,” Hoare continued.
The official golf season does not start until the spring semester, but the fall still counts for the golf teams. Official tournaments and individual play help with current and future rankings for individual players and for the team as a whole.
Bollant expects both the men’s and women’s teams to be top contenders in the conference during the spring.
“I’m proud of the fact that we are here. This is the first time that we are knocking at the door at the top of the conference and I am proud of our team,” he said.
