The Cougars have posted a 14-5 record so far this fall that includes beating two of the teams in the NCCAA national tournament field - Indiana Wesleyan University and Roberts Wesleyan (N.Y.) College. The only team in the field to beat MVNU was Malone College on their home course.

"We have a very good team that is seasoned with experience who should make the most of this tournament,” said MVNU coach Mark Stiverson. "I believe and the players do also that if we play to our potential we could walk away with a win.”

"The effort will have to come from all five players even though only the lowest four scores count each day,” Stiverson added. "I believe that if the players see and hear that their teammates are playing well that it will inspire them to do the same. We’ve experienced that on a rare occasion, and it was amazing.”

The five-member team will be made up of seniors Tim Hepner (above left), Preston Knight (below right), and Anthony Savage and juniors Tyler Tinch and Jared Schlabach. For the seniors, this will be their last shot at an NCCAA title, while the juniors will want the chance to go after two titles.

"Fortunately, with the good weather we have been having, we should be in good shape,” said Stiverson. "Typically, our first couple of spring tournaments we are a little rusty due to the inconsistent spring weather. Southern teams generally have the edge.”

The course, Hombre Golf Club, has three nine-hole courses that are called "The Good”, "The Bad”, and "The Ugly”. The teams will play a total of 36 holes over two days. They will play "The Good” and "The Bad” once and "The Ugly” twice. The names represent the challenges that each nine holes present.

"It always comes down to execution,” said Stiverson. "Yes, we would like to have more good breaks or good luck, but we need to capitalize on our skills. This is a perfect opportunity to do just that.”