Swinging into the new school year is the recently re-established MSMS golf team. The persistence of two seniors, Devon Matheny and Tate Howard, has convinced Mr. Rick Smith, the Director for Student Affairs, to officially recognize the team.

Due to limited funding and interest, however, the sport will be taking on a more individualized approach. Participating students will be representing MSMS and will be scored as individuals rather than ranked as a team.

Seasoned players with notable achievements and extensive background in the sport, both Matheny and Howard have not only expressed their high hopes for the upcoming season but also some of their major concerns.

Since golf will be classified as an individual sport for the upcoming season, anyone interested in playing is expected to take initiative on their own.

“Since this is an individual sport, we kind of coach on our own,” Matheny stated. “We don’t have a

coach, so we would make our own practice schedule and get as much in as we can to prepare for the season.”

“When I’m home, I practice about five hours a day,” Howard commented, expressing the amount of dedication that is expected of a committed golfer.

“It’s hard to practice in Columbus. When I’m here, I use Stark (Recreation Center) to build up my strength. Sometimes I go out to the Elm Lake Golf Course to practice my swings.”

Elm Lake is one of two local golf courses in Columbus that could potentially serve as practice courses for interested students, the other being Lion Hills Center.

The season opener is set for early spring, finishing with the state championships in early May.