The Allegheny Men’s Golf team season is in full swing, and a number of members of the team have high expectations and hopes for future games. 

Brian Beck, ’22, described the team as close with one another, not only on the course, but off as well.

“As far as positives go for being on the golf team (at Allegheny), we are a very tight-knit group, not only with the men’s team but also the women’s team,” Beck said. “We all motivate each other to be better and to work hard, while also enjoying each other’s company both on and off the course.”

As far as goals for the team this season, Beck said he and his teammates are focused on playing to the best of their abilities.

“For the team, our goals are to win the conference and compete at nationals,” Beck said. “We also do not think a national championship is out of reach.”

Along with the team’s goals for the season, Beck said his personal goals also revolve around success during the games.

“Personally, I’m just looking to compete as much as possible, improve my stroke average from last year and be on the team that competes at conferences,” Beck said.

The team finished last season at the NCAC Championships in third place out of eight schools.

Tyler Pham, ’22, weighed in on expectations for the team as it moves through the 2019 season.

“Expectations for us this season are to play well in tournaments and as a team,” Pham said. “We want to win our conference and compete for a national championship.”

Along with expectations surrounding team performance for this year, Pham also touched on the importance of having his teammates there for him and supporting him.

“Some of the positives of being on the team here at Allegheny is having teammates to constantly push you and improve every day in the weight room and on the course,” Pham said.

The team will be looking to some of their younger athletes this year to step up and fill any void left by older members of the team who have graduated, according to Beck.

“We are looking forward to stepping up and making a name for ourselves,” Beck said. We have a good team, and we know what we are capable of doing this season and beyond. It’s just a matter of working as hard as we can and staying together as a team.”

First-year member Andrew Ferguson, ’23, said he has similar expectations coming into his rookie collegiate season.

“As for my expectations this year coming in as a (first-year), I want to be someone who is able to contribute to the team,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson added that the team is the most important thing, and that he, too, has high hopes for the team during the season.

“My team expectations are just to compete for a national championship,” Ferguson said. “I obviously wasn’t around last year, but what the team was able to do last year, I think we can really build off of that and hopefully take the next step.”

Along with working toward meeting these expectations, Ferguson said he is enjoying his teammates and that he sees the positive side of being on the golf team.

“Being part of the golf team is a positive because being a first-year and not knowing anyone, I was able to come in and have a group of guys to spend time around and hang out with,” Ferguson said.

As the team continues to work toward its goal of a national championship, the players will compete in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, Oct. 5, and Sunday, Oct. 6.