Fresh coach, fresh start

Ferris golf team thrives under new coach

Spirits are high for the Ferris State men’s golf team following their 2-0 start under new head coach Kyle Wittenbach.

Wittenbach, a former golfer and assistant coach for Ferris, was hired in August with expectations to lead the Bulldogs to yet another solid season. The odds of meeting those expectations are high in his favor as the Bulldogs’ golf team took a convincing win at the Northern Michigan Wildcat Invitational Sunday, Sept. 11, and again on Sunday, Sept. 18, at the GLIAC North Invitational.

“I expect my guys to go out there and compete to win in every single event and that’s exactly what they did,” Wittenbach said of his team. “They have the talent to do so; I just have to get them prepared physically and mentally heading into every match. If I can accomplish that, I expect them to win a handful of tournaments this year.”

Being a new head coach can make it difficult to mesh with new players. However, the FSU golf team seems to have found rapport with Wittenbach almost immediately. Senior Ben Cook, who is returning to the team after being absent due to an internship last season, made an instant connection with his coach.

“Coach Kyle made it really easy for me to make the transition back to the team,” Cook said. “We all knew heading into the season that we would have a strong team and when Coach Wittenbach came in it just made our team that much stronger.”

Bulldog Junior Jack Weller, who placed first overall in the GLIAC North Invitational, spoke about what Wittenbach brings to the team and how that strengthens them.

“Most people would say that golf is a very individual sport, which it is, but Coach Kyle helps settle our nerves and keep us focused,” Weller said. “He understands the pressure we’re under because he knows what it’s like playing at a high level.”

A huge hole was left in the team after former head coach Mike Mignano left Ferris. It appears however that Kyle Wittenbach is just the man to fill the void and give the Bulldogs another shot at a great season.

Wittenbach and the Bulldogs will continue their journey towards an outstanding season on Friday, Sept. 30, at the Kyle Ryman Memorial in Tiffin, Ohio.