Hope College golfer Winton Munch did not take long to realize the Flying Dutchmen would contend again for a NCAA Division III Championship berth despite graduating four of their top players last season.
Seven days in fact, the junior from Traverse City, Michigan (Central HS), said.
"After the first week I knew," Munch of his team's potential with four new regulars in the top five, including three freshmen. "Coach (Bob Ebels) doesn't recruit just anybody. He recruits good people, good players. He recruits people with good character."
The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association-champion Flying Dutchmen are competing in this week at the 2016 NCAA Division III Championship in Rochester, N.Y.
Munch is joined by sophomore Kade Hoeksema of Byron Center, Michigan (South Christian HS), freshman Josh Gibson of Grandville, Michigan (Grandville HS), freshman Andrew Goble of Brighton, Michigan (Brighton HS) and freshman Ben Kramer of Spring Lake, Michigan (Spring Lake).
This is Hope's 11th trip to nationals and third in a row. The Flying Dutchmen qualified by winning the 54-hole MIAA Tournament after also claiming the regular-season title.
Hope is aiming to make the 36-hole cut at nationals. The Flying Dutchmen tee off today at 12:30 p.m. at Midvale Country Club and 7:30 a.m. Wednesday at Mendon Golf Club.
Ebels is not surprised either that three freshmen have become impact golfers to quickly.
"I knew from their high school that they were extremely good golfers," Ebels said. "Ex-golfers, who golfed for me at Hope College, recommended them to me. That's a nice advantage to have - coaches who can make references that kids will fit the Hope program."
Their ascension, along with the rise of Hoeksema as a first-year regular in the starting lineup, has been a blessing for more than just reasons that show up on the golf course, Munch said.
"Coming in, losing all four of those guys last year, was bittersweet. I was the baby brother coming in, and now I'm the oldest one," Munch said. "I didn't know those three freshmen coming in. but they're brothers now."
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Click here for the NCAA Championship program.
