High Expectations Await Men's Golf

Not many people picked the Boston Red Sox to do much this year, and they are just about to wrap up the American League East.

Even fewer people thought the Harvard men's golf team would win the ECAC Tournament last year, let alone qualify for it. The Crimson surprised everyone, even the players themselves, by winning the 20-team tournament last year by a whopping 10 strokes. The squad finished tied for third in a qualifier for that event, making the end result more astounding.

"That was really exciting for all of us," coach Bob Leonard said. "What happens now is that you are looking at a different team. Expectations are higher, and there's more pressure."

Getting back to the tournament is obviously a goal for Harvard, which begins its pre-season practices this week. Gone from last season's squad are Jack Wylie '95 and Darren Kilfara '96, former assistant sports editor of the Crimson in 1994 now studying abroad at St. Andrew's.

However, the core of the team returns, including Harvard's top three players, including senior captain Joel Radtke. Radtke finished third in the ECACs last fall and second in the Ivy League championships last spring, earning academic All American honors.

Senior Jun Choo and junior Luis Sanchez, who was born in Guatemala and then moved to Buenos Aires, will also be looked to lead the team.

"We have a real strong nucleus of players coming back," Leonard said. "I think we have some kids who could potentially finish very high [in the top tournaments]."

Also back for the Crimson is junior Ed Boyda and sophomore Alex Gonzalez. In addition, at least three freshmen--Craig MacDonald, who is also a forward for the men's hockey team, Doug MacBean and Nick Saunders--should make immediate contributions.

The campaign doesn't begin until September 24 when Harvard travels to New Hampshire for the Wildcat Invitational. On October 5, the team begins its quest to defend the ECAC title in the qualifying round, while the ECAC tournament itself starts on the 15th.

MEN'S GOLF

ECACs: First

Ivies: Second

Coach: Bob Leonard

Key Returnees: Jun Choo '96, Luis Sanches '97

New Faces: Doug MacBean '99, Craig MacDonald '99, Nick Saunders '99,

Key Loss: Jack Wylie '96.

The fall schedule concludes with the New England Intercollegiate Championship the following week.

The team hopes a successful fall schedule will lead to more trophies in the spring, with the ultimate prize being the Ivy League tournament. Harvard finished second to Princeton in that tournament last spring.

"This year we really want to win the Ivies," Leonard said. "You want to play to be the best...and that makes it more fun."