(photo courtesy Lumen Christi)
By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Jackson — The golf tradition and success here is as strong as any.
So as the Lumen Christi squad preps for this weekend’s Division 3 state final, well, there’s some sense that going three consecutive years without a state title is too long.
“So, our plan is to go out and win it all,” coach Dave Swartout said with a laugh Thursday afternoon. “That’s some awesome coaching, isn’t? But really, it’s that simple for these guys. If they are able to find their consistency and play to their capabilities, they have a chance to be a state champ.”
Lumen is set to take part in Friday and Saturday’s team finals. Both days begin at 9 a.m. at Forest Akers East in East Lansing.
The team is fresh off a regional title — its 11th in a row — but is seeking its first state championship since 2012.
“I think that’s on their mind,” Swartout said. “Especially the seniors. They’ve been looking forward to this all year. They’re excited to get out there and compete.”
The five golfers set to compete are Will Double, Luke Girodat, Logan Anuskiewicz, Grant Konkle and Tanner Schnell.
The five some combined to shoot a 319 at the regional.
“They’ve been swinging well all year, but I still don’t think we’ve put it all together,” Swartout said. “We’ve had three or four guys solid one day, and then one or two not. So now it’s a matter of getting all five guys to really be consistent both days. When we do that, we’re one of the top-three teams in the state. … If they play to their capabilities, and this is one of the deepest teams we’ve had in a while, they can all shoot 78 or better.”
Swartout said he doesn’t have a specific team score in mind, and likes to avoid thinking that way.
“It comes down to keeping things simple,” he added. “You can’t try and do too much. These guys know that. We have to concentrate on one shot, nothing more. Don’t look ahead or try to plan what’s next. Just focus on that shot you’re about to take, and we’ll be all right.”
And all right, just may be good enough to win it all.
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.