Yes. I am back at Lycoming as the Head Golf Coach. This is my second stint with the Warriors after a five-year hiatus. I was with the team from 2001 to 2016. I got out of the business and stepped away because of a midlife crisis. I retired from hoops two years ago. It left me with a void. Coaching and interacting with youngsters are still very important. Well, I just wrapped up the fall of my 17th season.

Coaching Division III golf is simply fantastic. There are so many perks and very little distractions. No drama with this team, and there are zero expectations. No disgruntled parents. No behind-the-scenes experts. No pressure. This is the best gig in North America. I love all the guys on my fall roster. Everyone is so different. Would I like them to make more putts? Absolutely. But they are great kids, and I enjoy our camaraderie.

I enjoy the interactions on the course, especially in the van.

I still marvel at the game, but I play very little. I will tee it up in a few scrambles and perhaps an occasional better ball of partners. Golf takes time. It is an expensive sport. I would rather fish. But now that I am around my boys. I am starting to get the itch. I actually played some holes just for fun the other day. Say what? Yes. I carried my bag. I ran into Paul and Logan McGinn. Rematch Logan? That’s another story coming soon.

Two of my guys traveled with me to Shawnee on the Delaware this past weekend. The Warriors were invited to the Landmark Conference Fall Preview. We have carded a few rounds at some other tournaments, but this was our first official major. Scheduling is always tough when we get closer to the holidays. Dylan had a seminar in D.C. Ian and Ross had a football game, and Kyle wanted to hunt. No worries. My two freshman phenoms teed it up and played extremely well.

Both Will Eberz and Mikey Fry held their own. The course was playing tough, and the wind was a major factor. I was so proud of my young Warriors. Will finished 23rd with rounds of 79 and 81. Mikey carded 82 and 83. Fantastic showing. Brutal conditions. Back tees. Difficult layout. A guy from Drew was 4 under par for the weekend. Wow. That’s insane. Any chance we can go back to the MAC?

I am still cool, but man, I am getting older. The van rides are hysterical. I enjoy the friendly banter. One kid noticed my sticks and asked a few questions. ARE YOU A TITLEIST GUY COACH? Yes. I have had these irons in my bag ever since 1999. WOW. (everyone was chuckling) COACH. I WAS BORN IN 2003. That hurt. I have since pulled the trigger on a new set. What’s in the bag? I really enjoy getting to know more about my boys each outing. Exceptional kids. From all walks of life. They are my little brothers that I never had.

Ian Plankenhorn is now a senior. My man is also an all-conference kicker. The Montoursville native is having a great season with the football team. He was recently named the Landmark’s Special Teams Athlete of the Week. Laces out. Ian will join us in the spring. Dylan Seck is a sophomore from Sayre, PA. He is young and super talented. Dylan is in the scholars’ program and is EMT certified. Yes. When most kids are playing SEGA, he is out there saving lives. What an impressive young lad. His resume is quite splendid. Dylan is getting better each round. Kyle Davis is a strong sophomore from up north. He is relatively new to golf. Kyle has a great smile, and he loves the outdoors. Will and Mikey make me look good. The two freshmen were actually my recruits. Will Eberz is from Stroudsburg. He is already a very solid player. Eberz has a chance to be Lycoming’s best ever. Mikey Fry played a little basketball at Muncy. He has only played for a few years, but he is super. Mikey is a grinder. He is self-taught, and the kid is already something. Ross Eyer will join us in the fall. He, like Ian, also plays some football. Ross is one of the most decorated athletes from the area — a three-sport star at Muncy. I am thankful that he listened to Mom and came to Lycoming. He is doing quite well on the gridiron. The tall and lanky frosh has 16 catches, 196 yards and two touchdowns. Ross is another newbie to golf. He hits it a long way, and I dig his style. All of my guys are fantastic students.

The boys had a great fall, and we gave it our best. We played some unbelievable courses. The guys lost several #warriorgolf balls. I assume they will end up in the bags of some random golfers. I look forward to the spring and building our friendships. We may not be a contender, but we are having some major fun. Thanks to my players for keeping me young. Go, Warriors. Cheers.