Although the season has just begun for the Simpson men’s golf team, it’s clear the team makeup is going to be a little different this year.

With only three returning varsity players, the golf team is going to be looking for its younger, less experienced players to carry a big load. Turns out, they’re up to the challenge.

In the first meet, the Simpson Invite, the team leaders came from some unlikely players – three freshmen. Freshman Mark Crevelity lead the young trio with a score of 72 while freshmen Brett Deneve and Jordan Angell both shot a 73.

Having finished seventh in last year’s Iowa Conference Championships and not winning an Iowa Conference Championship since 1971, the team is really hoping the young recruits can put Simpson back on top.

Junior Trevor Sharp is excited about this year and still has high hopes regardless of the lack of experience.

“We’re really looking forward to these freshmen helping the team this year,” Sharp said. “We’re very deep this year, and we never know who’s going to step up from week to week to help get the win.”

So far the men’s golf team has gotten off to a good start, winning the Simpson Invite and having good showings at their meet in Minneapolis against some stiff competition. While the team has been successful so far, the players also understand team chemistry and bonding is a big part in maintaining success throughout an entire season. Senior Captain Eric Adams credits good team chemistry as the main difference between this year’s team and those he’s played for in the past here at Simpson.

“The freshmen have done a great job of integrating themselves into the team,” Adams said. “We have a great team chemistry that has been lacking in past years. We all hang out together, and it just seems like everyone wants to be here practicing and getting better everyday. The enthusiasm to play is much higher this year.”

Adams is also counting on the young recruiting class to step up immediately and help the team.

“These young guys are really good and have done a great job for us this far,” Adams said. “They’re ready to come in and play right away and make an impact.”

But with high expectations comes more pressure. Only as the season progresses will the team really know how good these young guys are in their ability to handle the pressure that comes with playing at the varsity level. As for now, they have a lot of support from their veteran players and captain who hope to continue their hot streak throughout the entire season.