SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s and women’s golf teams begin their spring seasons this weekend. The Gustie men head to Illinois Wesleyan on Friday and Saturday while the women travel to play against MSU in Mankato, Minn. on Friday.
“We’ve had 19 months since our last competition,” said Head Coach Scott Moe who is in his 24th year at the helm as the men’s head coach and 16th in the role for the women’s team. “We had a number of our men’s players take the fall semester off so we’ve spent some time regrouping and figuring out what our goals are with both teams moving forward. We’ve had everyone back together since February and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to compete for a conference championship in the spring.”
Both squads have an experienced lineup, the women’s team brings back seven returners and one newcomer and the men’s side returns six golfers and welcomes two first-years.
“Our men’s team had three captains going into last fall but Carter Czichotzki and Max Ullan have taken this year off and we’ll look to Jacob Pedersen (Jr., Minnetonka) to take on the role by himself. He provides a ton of leadership work ethic wise and is a great example for the rest of our players to follow. I think some of our newcomers will see some time right away.”
The Gustie men had a strong run in their 2019 campaign to make it to the MIAC championship and finish second. Ullan and Pedersen garnered All-Conference honors for the second year consecutive year. Pedersen also earned All-Region and All American Honorable mention accolades.
“Our women’s team has three captains, Emily Kratz (Jr., Edina), Erin Ericson (Jr., Onalaska, Wis.), and Sydney Regaldo (Jr., Rosemount). They continue to do an outstanding job leading workouts, day-to-day routines, and academically are off the charts. Overall, both teams are incredibly well led.”
The women’s team finished in sixth in the MIAC championship in their 2019 season as they seek their first MIAC title since 2010. Notable returner Ericson finished her sophomore campaign with All-Conference and All-Region honors. Kratz and Regaldo also had strong finishes in the season prior, both averaging less than 82.7 strokes per round.
“Both teams look at our conference championship as the pinnacle of our year after not having a fall season where we normally have our conference championship. In a way, we have all of our eggs in one basket this spring due to the fact that the conference champion will earn the automatic qualifier to the NCAA tournament and they won’t be taking any at-large teams and nationals. Essentially if our players have a good weekend at the right time, they can punch their ticket to nationals.”
Both teams will compete in four events leading up to the MIAC Championships in May. Spectators will not be permitted due to Covid-19 protocols.
“Right now our goal for both teams is to try to get some great experiences leading up to the conference tournament and then lay it all on the line at Emerald greens.”