After not competing for nearly a full year, the Kent State men’s golf team starts its season this weekend at the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate Tournament in Mobile, Alabama.

“Everyone’s excited to get on the road and compete,” coach Jon Mills said. “As a team, I feel like we have a very, very good team right now.”

The team has a lot of experience under its belt with five juniors and seniors, four sophomores and only one freshman. 

“It definitely makes it easier that they can get back into things and they know what to expect,” Mills said. “We’re good enough to compete to win the event.”

Josh Gilkison, Cade Breitenstine, Julien Paltrinieri, Chris Vandette, Luca Civello and Will Kurtz are in the lineup for this upcoming tournament. 

Gilkison, a senior, has a career scoring average 72.29. Kurtz, another senior, has a career scoring average of 72.63. 

Gilkinson and Kurtz’s experience on the course as older players is good for the team, Mills said. 

As the Flashes approach their season-opener, Mills is focused on keeping them engaged and ready. 

“Going into this first event, I’m making sure everyone’s just excited to compete,” Mills said. “I want our guys to go in there with more of a laid-back attitude and just play golf. They know how to compete.” 

The team has been preparing since the fall, learning how to adapt with limited competition due to COVID-19.

Mills said the players are ready to get back out there, as they are a close group of people who do everything together. 

“They really want to compete and there’s a lot of talent in the room,” Mills said. “When you get a bunch of guys like that all in one room and competing on the same team, it can be special.”

Pilar Lewis is a sports reporter. Contact her at [email protected].