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The Cougars, who posted a 57-55 overall record last season, will be looking to better that mark this year with an experienced group of returning players and a solid group of newcomers who have rounded out this year’s roster.

“We are a stronger team this year from various points,” said MVNU second-year head coach Mark Stiverson. “We were a young team last year and we did not lose anyone to graduation. All but one starter has returned, and we have two transfers who are ready to compete right now for a spot in the top five. We also have some talented young guns who just need a little bit of maturity, practice, and playing time to develop into fine players. Finally, the growth in maturity and talent really developed over the summer. You put all of these elements together and you get one excellent team who cannot wait to compete and win.”

Senior Derek Clark returns to anchor the team after a stellar junior season that saw him earn a spot on the American Mideast Conference Team. Juniors Tim Hepner and Anthony Savage also return with another year of experience under their belts, while sophomore Jared Schlabach was a key contributor as a freshman.

“The key word when talking about our returning players is ‘solid’,” said Stiverson. “They are solid as players and solid as team members. I would match my returning players’ talent with any team in the conference. I believe they are that good. Along with being solid, they bring stability. You can depend on them at tournament time, practice, and everything else. They help me in helping the new players in many different ways.”

Junior Preston Knight and sophomore Tyler Tinch are two transfers who will help the Cougars in their first year on the squad. They will be joined by sophomores Matt Kerns and Doug Frederick and freshmen Justin Chappelear and Tyler Wenger.

“We have a full spectrum when it comes to new players and that is a coach’s delight,” said Stiverson. “First of all, the two transfers are extremely talented and will compete right away in tournaments. These guys can play and will help us win. We also have some new players who will challenge the starters and keep everyone focused at all times.”

MVNU is slated to play in three fall tournaments (Tiffin Invitational, Malone College Invitational, and Ohio Dominican University Invitational) and the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament, which will be held at River Greens Golf Course in Coshocton on October 9-10. Then, the team will play the rest of its schedule in the spring.

“I am really looking forward to this season,” said Stiverson. “I think we will surprise many teams with our scoring. The guys have been working hard this summer to prepare themselves for the fall tournaments. It is an exciting time for MVNU golf.”