THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – The Cal Lutheran men's golf team brings back a ton of experience with 10 golfers returning for the 2019 season. The Kingsmen finished fourth in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and have their eyes set on a SCIAC championship run.
With 10 upperclassmen and one newcomer, the Kingsmen golf team is poised to take the next step. The process comes down to the recruiting and building a team culture.
"We want a student-athlete that is motivated, works hard and plays with passion," said head coach Jeff Lindgren. "We want those individuals to be coachable and that will help them get better over their careers at Cal Lutheran."
Returning for their senior season is Jake Rosen and Tyler Shuster. Both are looking for expanded roles as they look to lead the Kingsmen. Rosen was named the team captain.
"Rosen has been around our program for several years," said Lindgren "He is a great guy, a good motivator and a great team player. He is well-respected by the team and us coaches. He is pushing the right buttons to keep people working hard."
Chirping at the heels of the seniors are four juniors. David Brown, Drew Christofferson, Stefan Nelson and Craig Thorlakson are all looking to make their own impression on the program.
"This group is going to keep the pressure on their fellow teammates with their game and their persistence," said Lindgren. "I am excited to see what our senior and junior classes can do this year."
The sophomore class showed a lot in their first year as they gained valuable playing experience. The list includes First Team All-SCIAC honoree Ryan Kyaw. Joining him are Drake Jones, Jackson Murrell and Jack Woolslayer.
"Ryan had a great year," said Lindgren. "He is still getting better. He is really focused, loves golf and wants to do the best he can. He's pushing people to work hard.
"It is nice to have depth, when the tournaments only come down to one or two strokes. When your fourth, fifth and sixth golfers have a great score, it gives us a lot of potential."
The Kingsmen welcome one freshmen into the mix. Jimmy Solano comes to Cal Lutheran from Costa Mesa, Calif.
"We have been to the NCAA National Championship many times," said Lindgren. "If we continue to play our game, like we did in the fall, we have a shot at making it back there. Our top-25 ranking from the fall is proof that we can battle with any team out there."
Cal Lutheran starts its 2019 campaign at the Cal State San Marcos Fujkura Invitational. The Kingsmen will play at Shadowridge Golf Course Feb. 4-5.
2019 Roster: Kingsmen Golf
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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director
