Wheeling, W. Va. - The Wheeling Univerity Men's Golf team opens their 2021 season when they head to the Vulcan Invitational this Sunday. After having to play an abbreviated schedule in the spring of 2020, they are happy to be back and playing a full schedule this season.
Several of the members of this year's team have experience in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) and are looking to take that experience to the next level as they play a full four set schedule in 2021, leading up to the MEC Championships in early October. They are also under new leadership as Michael Finlan will begin his first year leading the team.
Finland is no stranger to Wheeling University, as he served as the Pitching Coach on Ryan Lewicki's staff in 2021 and he and his players are excited to embark on this new journey.
"We're very excited to get started back up with a packed fall schedule, " said Finlan. "These guys are working hard and preparing to put some good rounds together this fall."
All three of Wheeling's too finishers from last year's MEC Championships are back this season. Sophomores Austin Panhorst, Dylan Feldkamp (Mentor, OH./Mentor), and Yadhu Urs (Castries, St. Lucia/Saint Mary's) are all back as part of a roster that consists of five returners and two freshman. Panhorst and Feldkamp tied for 25th at last year's MEC Championship, and are looking to lead the way once again in 2021.
Last Year's Event
Last season, the Vulcan Invitational was a little bit different, being played in the spring instead of the fall. Wheeling would finish ninth out of 10 teams, shooting a total of +99 for the course. However, for a team of mostly freshman last season, it was good experience to welcome them to college golf.
Feldkamp was Wheeling's top finisher at the event, trying for 35th in the field shooting a 165 between the two rounds. Nick Zaller (Mentor, OH./Mentor) and Urs were the next best for Wheeling, posting scores of 168 (T-44th) and 170 (T-50).
The Details
The Vulcan Invitational kicks off on Sunday with the men playing 54 total holes, including 36 on Sunday. The men are scheduled for a shotgun start of 9 AM.
