Defending national champs excited for upcoming golf season

Coming off an unmatched hot streak of a season and securing the NSU’s men’s golf team’s third national title, the Sharks are coming into this season looking to keep the fire burning.

Joey Marino, men’s head golf coach, is a firm believer in pushing all his players to their fullest potential, both on and off the course.

“If you can get the best out of one athlete, their success is only going to help the team. That’s what makes the team grow,” Marino said.

With five members of the title team graduating from NSU and two five-year players returning for their final year on the course, Marino is looking forward to bringing in a new first-year roster and instilling the winning culture at NSU.

NSU men’s golfer Mike Hay tees off at the NCAA Divison II National Championship.

While a back-to-back title appearance can be a challenge, the expectation is to remain confident and competitive.

“I like the chances to make the regional tournament and then get to nationals,” Marino said.

With a national title under the program’s belt, the team has reached the top of the mountain and is looking forward to continuing the climb.

Joseba Torres, senior business and sport management major, is optimistic about what this season brings.

“While it’s an adjustment to compete with new faces, the team has clicked nicely already compared to some previous years. The new guys are coming in with the right winning mindset, knowing the expectations,” Torres said.

Similar to Marino, Torres expects nothing less out of himself and the team this year than high-level tournament play. Returning from a championship season has pushed and motivated Torres to make his final season memorable. Torres will never forget what made last season’s national title achievable.

“The toughest round had to be round two against Barry University. We go against these guys all year, so they know us and we know them. It all came down to the last play. Achieving that win gave us the push we needed to know we could bring the title home,” Torres said.

Following graduation, Torres plans to return to his home in Spain and pursue golf professionally.

Micheal Hay, graduate exercise and sport science major, is looking forward to the sportsmanship and dedication the team brings this season.

“Unlike other years where there has been a disconnect felt early on amongst the team, all the new guys have bonded nicely and are coming in with the same mindset,” Hay said.

Hay and Torres plan to serve as leaders for the team while using their skills to give the team the push they need in tournament play.

“It’s not practical to come into a season with the immediate intention of a championship. The goal is to perform at a high level consistently and open the possibility of returning to postseason play once again while throwing in a couple wins throughout,” Hay said.

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