Short Cyclone golf season yields successes, All-Conference honors

As quickly as the Moraine Valley Community College golf season started, it was over in a month. Even in such a short time, the Cyclones stayed consistent and made improvements, with two guys earning their second consecutive conference honors.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, Cyclone golfers were allowed to practice for the first time a few days before their first outing on Sept. 9. A number of outings also were canceled, leaving the Cyclones with only six Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and two region matches. They finished third overall in conference and eighth in the Region IV tournament, a notch higher than in 2019.

“I was surprised at how smoothly the season went with COVID-19. We played every practice, every match because no one got sick. It was such a fast season,” said Head Coach Matt Lovelace, who completed his fifth season at the helm. “We did pretty well for such little time together, a short leadoff and when the guys were just starting to feel comfortable together.”

Sophomores Marty Bennett (Evergreen Park) and Paul Douglas (Peotone) led the way this season and, like last year, earned conference medals for their overall finishes — fourth and seventh, respectively. Bennett placed third at one outing and produced his career best score, 74. At regionals, he was 10 strokes away from qualifying for the national tournament. Douglas also finished third in one outing this season and averaged 82.6. Sophomore Patrick Clifton (Sandburg) saw a career low (86) while freshman Connor Finn (Lincoln-Way West) was a fifth place finisher in the third match of the season. Freshmen Jack McDonald (Reavis) and Randy Miller (Stagg) also improved, showing their best rounds of the year at regionals.

The Cyclones were never out of the running. They continued to push even during some windy matches or when some shots didn’t go their way, Lovelace said.

“It was disappointing with all the COVID-related stuff we had to deal with and a shortened season, but it’s fantastic that we even got to play. We’re all thankful for that,” Lovelace said.

Among the sophomores, Bennett may transfer to Saint Xavier University to continue playing golf, as many former Cyclone golfers have done. Douglas is working to become a junior golf professional with the aim to teach the sport.

For updates on Cyclone Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.