Lewis and Clark Community College Trailblazers Gear Up for Spring Season with High Expectations

GODFREY, Ill. — With less than a month until their first spring tournament, the Lewis and Clark Community College men's golf team is building momentum through a blend of technology-driven training, leadership development and a renewed focus on course management.

Assistant Coach Tom Wills said the program is picking up where it left off in the fall, though outdoor practice has been limited.

"The team is in the same position we were when we ended the fall season," Wills said. "Once the weather breaks and we get some rounds in, we will be in a better position to gauge where we stand."

Battling the Elements

Spring golf presents a unique challenge in the Midwest, particularly with wind and unpredictable course conditions. Wills emphasized the importance of ball flight control and smart decision-making.

"Spring is a different beast," he said. "We are focusing on keeping the ball low to combat the strong winds we face. Course management is always a challenge for young players who primarily want to rip the ball."

Head Coach Shane Callahan echoed the need for improvement in one key area: scoring.

"That's the bottom line," Callahan said. "We know we need to score better than we did last year. The technology is giving us great information, but translating those numbers into lower scores on the course is where we have to close the gap."

Indoor Advantage

Winter weather created significant obstacles this year. Following heavy snow and prolonged freezing temperatures, on-course practice at Spencer T. Olin Community Golf Course was unavailable, even on warmer days, to prevent turf damage.

To counter those limitations, the program leaned heavily on new indoor resources. A recent donation provided a top-end launch monitor, and additional funding secured indoor nets and upgrades to the practice space.

"The GC Quad has been a real difference-maker," Callahan said. "The guys now have a clear picture of their swing path, face angle, spin rate and angle of attack. When a player truly understands his own numbers, that builds confidence."

The addition of an indoor putting green has also allowed the team to stay sharp in an area often neglected during the offseason.

Assistant Coach Wills credited campus-wide support for helping maximize training time, including cooperation from the men's and women's basketball programs and scheduling assistance from staff to ensure access to shared facilities.

Strength and conditioning coach Dustin Duncan has also played a key role in preparing players physically for the endurance demands of long tournament days, while athletic training staff have helped manage aches and injuries during the winter ramp-up.

Competition Within the Team

Lineup decisions remain fluid as players compete for tournament spots.

"It's too early to identify the top competitors," Wills said. "We need to get outside regularly and see who is playing well week to week. Every player on the roster has the opportunity to play themselves into contention."

Callahan said that internal competition is helping sharpen practices and elevate intensity.

"Competition for spots is part of what keeps practice sharp," he said. "We want guys earning their positions through the work they're putting in right now."

Leadership has been another early bright spot. Team captain Mikey Wilson has helped set the tone both on and off the course, according to Callahan.

"Having a captain who takes responsibility seriously makes everything run smoother and sets a tone for the whole group," he said.

Building Mental Toughness

Both coaches emphasized that the mental side of golf remains the program's biggest challenge and opportunity.

"The mental game in golf is the most difficult to manage," Wills said. "One minute everything is going well, and the next you're in a two-hour funk. Resilience after poor shots is a major focus for us."

Callahan added that knowledge can be a powerful stabilizer.

"When a player understands why the ball does what it does, he's less likely to spiral mentally when things get difficult," he said. "We're in a transitional period as a program, and there's no unrealistic pressure to win overnight. That clarity can actually free players up to compete."

Setting the Standard

The Trailblazers' immediate goal is simple: start strong by trusting their preparation.

"The biggest key is staying focused on course management and shot placement to put ourselves in a position to score well," Wills said.

As competition begins, expectations are measured but optimistic.

"We expect to place in the top half of our tournaments each week and build momentum toward a quality showing at regionals," Wills said.

For Callahan, this spring is about laying the foundation for long-term success.

"Improvement," he said. "Better scores than last year, more composure and a group that's starting to understand what it takes to compete at this level. Winning culture doesn't happen instantly; it's built through experiences. This spring is about building that foundation."

Trailblazer's first tournament will be Cougar Clash on March 16-17 at Weaver Ridge Golf Course. 

Written By: Alexandra Dunn, Athletics Social Media Coordinator