The Mississippi State University men’s golf team is ready to tee it up for the upcoming season. Six seniors, including captain Joe Deraney, will lead this year’s team.
Coach Clay Homan is excited about the approaching season and thinks Deraney will be a key contributor to the team’s success.
“Joe Deraney is a real competitor and has been a leader for us on and off the course,” Homan said.
Deraney appreciated his coach’s words but humbly pointed to his teammates.
“The guys on the team know if they have a problem with their shot or a problem at school they can come talk to me. At the same time they know they can go talk with any of the guys on the team,” Deraney said. “That’s the great part about having six seniors on the team. There are plenty of leaders.”
The depth provided by the returning Bulldogs, including: seniors Daniel Boles, Craig Horrocks, Matt Mooney, Tim Satow, Carl Sutton, and sophomores Gregory Huxman, Jake Lambert, Josh Oliver, and freshmen Logan Young and Michael Knight matched with the talent of the newcomers should equal some healthy competition for playing time.
“Right now we have about eight different guys competing for playing time and pushing each other to play better,” Homan said. “Hopefully this will make guys play hard and lower their number of strokes.”
As the team looks forward to the season they also try to improve everyday with every stroke.
“Our practice has been more disciplined this time around. If we are struggling on the green we go to the course the next day and focus mainly on putting instead of just going through the normal routine.” said Deraney.
The Bulldogs begin their season Sept. 20 at the Raising Cane Classic, a tournament in which the dogs shot some of the lowest scores of the year last season, in Hattiesburg.