ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Concordia University men's golf team prepares to open the spring portion of their 2008-09 season this weekend when they travel to the Wayne State Invitational in Wayne, Neb. The Golden Bears have lofty goals this spring and are prepared for the uphill climb that awaits.

Although they are tied for seventh in the NSIC Championship race, head coach Matt Higgins feels that a strong winter offseason combined with a young team that is just starting to tap into their talent will help the squad reach the ultimate goal of reaching the NCAA Regional in May.

"As a staff, our goal this spring is to maximize the potential of our golfers. We feel these young men have all the tools in place but we want to take them to that next level," Higgins commented. He continued, "If we can help them maximize their potential then we feel we will be able to put ourselves in position to compete for a regional bid."

Higgins also acknowledged that a regional berth for the 2008-09 team will take some work, "We know we have an up hill battle, especially competing in our region. The RMAC golf programs are solid and have already had a few weeks of competition."

But with talented freshman and focused returners, Higgins has the pieces to make the necessary jump.

"During the fall season, our freshmen showed great development and continued to mature during the winter. I'm excited to see the improvement play out on the courses in the coming weeks. Our upperclassmen are all focused and ready to compete and know what it takes to win against top competition."

In the Northern Sun and most of the Upper Midwest, Concordia has been able to utilize all of the advantages that come with being a golf program located in the Twin Cities with plenty of opportunities to golf indoors.

"This year we entered an agreement with Lifetime in St. Louis Park which has helped our athletes stay sharp with simulators and a putting green while also making a few trips to the indoor domes to hit a few times. Most of the guys also made trips to the south on their spring break to get some rounds in - they know what they need to go out and do to be successful this season."

While the goal of reaching the regional may seem like an even bigger up hill climb to most outsiders, the CU coaching staff has done things to help the men get a leg up on their competition.

"We've had the guys in strength and conditioning programs throughout the winter months, which will help the younger athletes stay sharp and mentally focused through a season that is longer than they are used to at the high school level."

He continued, emphasizing his point, "But more importantly, we've implemented some swing adjustments and they've had time to get used to them and I'm excited to see how they take it to the course throughout the season."

Higgins knows there is no time to waste during the spring portion of the schedule, stating "we will look to play well right away, it's a shorter season and we need to come out prepared and focused and seeing how they've prepared I am excited to see it play out in their game."

To see how the Golden Bears have performed thus far, VIEW THE 2008-09 STATISTICS