By: Daniyal Habib <[email protected]>

The men’s golf team begins its first practice sessions Monday. The team hopes to build on the success they achieved last year under new Head Coach Chad Carr.

“I am confident that we can accomplish great things this season,” Carr said. “In order to do that, we will practice to improve our weaknesses and take the season one shot at a time. As each individual improves, the entire team benefits.”

Last year, the team won the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC) Championship, and finished second in the State Finals. It marked the first year in the last five that the Hounds advanced past Sectional. The last time it was runner-up was 2000, and the last State title was in 1990.

“Consistency will be our key to repeating any success the team had last year. With that said, what happened last year was wonderful, but this is a new year. We have new goals and will be a different team,” Carr said.

Seniors Tony Lazzara and Justin Isenthal and sophomore Grant Meade return from the team of last year. Despite the amount of success that left with graduating seniors, Carr said this year will begin with a clean slate.

“I cannot base my judgments on the performance of what kids did last year. However,” he said, “this is a new season with new goals that will be reached by a new group of players.

“I am confident they (this year’s seniors) will accept the leadership role and represent Carmel High School in a positive manner.”

The last day of try-outs is today, and after that the team will begin preparing for its first match, on April 1, against Hamilton Southeastern and Westfield.

“We will be prepared to show up and play the best golf we can at each match whether two or three teams are there or even if we are practicing.  I would not say one is easier than the other. We will respectfully accept competition in a positive light regardless of how many teams are playing,” Carr said.

Until then, the team will get in shape and prepare. Carr said he has implemented a new training program for the players.

“I have implemented a voluntary strength and conditioning program for the team this year. Our players will benefit in the long run from the hard work they put in the off-season. It is also my expectation that kids work on their game in the off-season as well,” Carr said.