University of Minnesota Athletics
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Smith Previews Gophers' 2021 Fall Season
8/27/2021 11:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
The University Minnesota men's golf team opens the 2021-22 season on Sept. 5 at the Marquette Invitational in Erin, Wis. In advance of it, head coach Justin Smith sat down with GopherSports.com to give his thoughts on fall expectations, who he thinks will make important strides this year and much more.
GopherSports: What are your expectations for the fall season?
Justin Smith: Assistant Coach Matt Rachey and I have talked a lot about expectations for the fall season. We talk to our team about the difference between expectations and standards. Our expectations consist of our values and our Commit North identity. We never want to limit ourselves on the course when it comes to performance and because of that, our standards are extremely high. We work hard and compete every day to allow us an opportunity to win a championship. Championship standards will always be important with this program. As far as expectations, we want our student athletes to work hard, commit to our goals, represent the University with integrity and play for each other. We know if we do that, the results will take care of themselves.
GS: How does the schedule this fall set you up for success?
JS: We love our fall schedule. We are fortunate to have some elite events on some of the top championship courses around. Our team is ready for this challenge and we look forward to learning a lot about ourselves when we get tested this fall. A top priority of our program is to compete against the best teams in the country at championship venues. Our fall season definitely gives us the opportunity to do so.
GS: What is it going to take for someone on the roster to claim one of the open spots in the rotation?
JS: Show Matt and I that they are ready to win and consistently be the number one player on our team. We want to push our players to always strive to be number one and not just strive to make the lineup. This is how we will be ready to compete against the top teams in the country.
GS: What are you expecting to see out of the seven returning Gophers this season?
JS: Consistency and leadership. We have had some great performances this summer from our returning players and Matt and I have been paying attention to who has been the most consistent and who is ready to lead this team, both on and off the course. We have had a bit of turnover in our lineup with Angus and Thomas graduating, but I think we have a tremendous opportunity for some others to really step up and lead this team deep into the postseason come next May.
GS: Are there other guys you're hoping to see make a jump this year?
JS: This might be the most competitive team from 1-10 that we have had since I have been coaching at Minnesota. Tournament competition and qualifying will really be fun to see these players shine. Each practice/golf round will be really important for everyone to keep improving and securing their spot in the lineup. Matt and I are really excited to see all our players develop and grow throughout the year.
GS: What are the expectations you have for the three newcomers for the fall?
JS: Our three newcomers, Antoine Sale, Bennett Swavely, and Eduardo Galdos, will have their opportunity to really make an impact for us. They are incredibly talented and have won big events through their careers thus far. We certainly will hold them to the high standards of our program and help create the environment for them to succeed. We are really excited to see them compete for our program right away.