The Rochester College Warriors men’s and women’s golf teams are preparing to begin their first season of competition this fall. Although in their inaugural season, the teams are excited and have high expectations of what the season will bring.

Coach Clayton Bissett has liked what he has seen in the preseason practices. “We have some golfers who can really strike the ball. Our home golf course, Greystone Golf Club, is a tough course to play. I told the team that if they can score well on that course, they can score well anywhere.”

Despite this being the first year for the programs, there is experience on the roster. Juniors Jay Gilman and Corey Huizenga from Kalamazoo Community College along with senior David Romero who transferred from York College give the team needed experience and depth. “Jay, Corey, and David have all played at a high level of intercollegiate golf,” says Coach Bissett. “I am very happy with the leadership and example they provide for the younger golfers.”

“Jay is a very solid player who can turn in a great round at any time. Corey is very long off the tee and great around the green, and David is one of those guys who is consistent all the time.”

The team also has a good core of younger players. Klinton Wheeler, a transfer from York College, joins Joel Harrison (Waterford Christian Academy), Mike Iannucci (Utica Stevenson), Gary Turner (Avondale), and Jordan Grambush (Fenton) to form a nucleus of talented young players. “I am very pleased with the young group we have,” says Bissett. “They are all very talented and want to get better."

“Klinton has a great willingness to learn and has a love for the game that will help him get better year after year. Joel has been a pleasant surprise. He has come in and turned in some very good scores,” Bissett said. “I am very pleased with Mike’s work ethic. He will get better from sheer work. Gary is a guy who you would want on your team no matter what the format of the tournament. I am very proud of Jordan. Even though she is the only female on the team, she does not back down one bit and competes with the guys.”

The future looks bright for this season, next season, and many seasons to come with the combination of experienced players and good young talent the Warriors have.