By Ryne Rickman, UT Martin Sports Information Director
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – The Ohio Valley Conference unveiled its 2023 golf preseason predictions this afternoon and the University of Tennessee at Martin was picked fourth in the team standings.
In the poll comprised of votes from the league’s head coaches, OVC newcomer Little Rock received eight of the nine first-place votes on its way to 64 points. Tennessee Tech garnered the other first-place tally and was ranked second with 57 points. SIUE (49 points) was chosen third while the Skyhawks claimed 41 points. Rounding out the poll was Morehead State (39 points), Southern Indiana (25), Lindenwood (23), Eastern Illinois (15) and Tennessee State (11).
Coming off back-to-back OVC championships for the first time in school history, UT Martin took part in five events over the fall. The Skyhawks came away with a 297.1 stroke average in 12 rounds as part of four tournaments while also competing in an 18-hole match-play event. UT Martin’s top tournament finish was a third-place effort (857, -7) at the Grover Page Classic in Jackson, Tenn. on Sept. 19-20.
Bryson Morrell claimed OVC Golfer of the Week honors following a second-place finish in the aforementioned Grover Page Classic. In each of their four stroke-play tournaments, Skyhawk head coach Austin Swafford had a different top finisher as Ethan Ray (team-best 73.8 season scoring average), Morrell (74.1), Jacob Uehlein (74.4) and Cayden Chambers (75.1) each accomplished that feat.
Garrett Chumley’s 73.8 average over six rounds is tied for the team lead while Luke Caldwell (74.0), Jonathan Xoinis (75.8), Dax Isbell (77.2) and Jackson Twerdahl (78.5) will look to make an impact during the spring season, which includes six events before the OVC Championships on April 23-26.
UT Martin’s 2023 spring slate begins on Feb. 10-11 when the Skyhawks travel to Mims, Fla. for the second installment of the Carpenter/Chaney Classic.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information