EUGENE, Ore. – The Bushnell golf season officially gets underway next week and both the men's and women's programs are looking forward to a strong year ahead.
 
The Beacons were able to take advantage of some early opportunities, coming to campus for training camp in mid-August. Bushnell Director of Golf Larry Watts said, "We came in early for the first time and that was a real positive experience for everyone. We were able to have a lot of bonding time, hiking, going to the coast, and also playing some golf. We have a strong character team this year and we have really enjoyed being with them. This is a group that exudes gratefulness which sets a nice environment and a nice tone for the season."
 
MEN'S PREVIEW
 
The Beacon men's team is ten strong for the 2024-2025 season with a core group of six returners who will be joined by four newcomers.
 
Leading the returners is senior Benjamin Lovrod and Coach Watts expects great things for his final campaign. He said, "I am hoping for Ben to have a real breakthrough year, to send him off well. He has been such a pleasure to have on this team and in our University."
 
Watts also said that all four of the newcomers have fit in really well with the team and can all be in line to contribute to the team scoring efforts this season.
 
The lone transfer in the group is junior Isaac Wells (Bakersfield, Calif.) who helped to guide Bakersfield College to a third-place finish in the Western States Conference last season. Coach Watts said, "Isaac has had some success collegiately and he is going to be a contributor to our team. He shows a lot of promise."
 
Three freshmen also join the fray this season, led by Peyton Wiedenmann (Springfield, Ore.), a First-Team All-Midwestern League and Second-Team All-State golfer at Thurston High. Wiedenmann doesn't have the breadth of tournament experience of others, but Coach Watts doesn't believe that is a detriment as displayed in Bushnell's early season exhibition with Corban in which he won the event by four shots.  "Peyton is a young rising player," said Watts, "He has gained a bit in the last two years and he has been successful. We expect great things from him."
 
Widenmann's high school teammate Trison Hedges was a two-time All-District selection for the Colts. Coach Watts said, "Trison is a hard worker and will continue to grow as a golfer and have some really good rounds this year."
 
Finally, Jacob Holmes (Fernley, Nev.) comes in as the reigning Nevada 3A State Champion, who will be an immediate contributor to the team.
 
WOMEN'S PREVIEW
 
For the first time in three years, the Beacons will be fielding a full women's golf team as five newcomers have joined Bushnell's two returners.
 
Coach Watts said, "It is extremely exciting who we have brought to campus, and of course having a full team. We have a lot of athleticism. The top three in our conference are very strong, but I expect us to be able to battle for fourth place."
 
Back for her sophomore season is Jade Richwine while Analise Aubin will compete in her senior season.
 
Leading the way among the newcomers is junior transfer Corinne Lillywhite (Eugene) the former Sheldon High product returns home after a two-year stint with NCAA Division I Utah Tech. Lillywhite averaged 80 during her career with the Trailblazers while firing multiple rounds in the 70's, including a pair of career-best 73's. "Corrine is an amazing golfer," said Watts, "and will be very competitive with the top golfers in our conference."
 
Freshman twin sisters Kylee and Hailey Smith (La Pine, Ore.) join the Beacons out of La Pine High School where Kylee was a First-Team All-State selection and Hailey earned top-ten placements at the State Championship as both a junior and senior.
 
Coach Watts said, "Kylee will be a consistent top-four for us and Hailey will also battle to be a consistent contributor. They are strong hitters and are both very good putters and chippers."
 
Also joining the Beacons are freshmen Morgan Schlesinger (Camas, Wash.) and Grace Wetherup (Calgary, Alberta). "Morgan and Grace are just wonderful strong character women and great additions to our program," said Watts. "They hit the ball well and as they continue to see advancements in their chipping and putting, they will also have the chance to contribute."
 
Another huge addition to the golf program this season is in the form of new women's Assistant Coach Shawn Brandt. Brandt is a state champion high school girl's coach at North Eugene High and a highly regarded businessman in Lane County. Coach Watts said, "Shawn has a lot of coaching experience with women and has had a lot of success. We are excited for him to bring that success to us. He is a really good fit for what we do at Bushnell, brings a high level of professionalism, and is immediately bringing strength to our faith and team dynamics on the women's side."
 
SEASON OUTLOOK
 
The team should have the opportunity to get a leg up on the competition as they play host for the first CCC tournament of the season on September 9-10 at Pine Ridge Golf Course, the new official home for the Beacons, where they have been training and practicing throughout the preseason.
 
The fall schedule will include five total meets, highlighted by the next CCC event at the British Columbia Invitational in Bremerton, Washington on October 21-22. The fall season concludes with  Bushnell's Tall Timber Invitational on October 28-29.