The Mount Vernon Nazarene University golf teams will hit the course this weekend to begin the 2015-16 season. The men hope to build on a second place finish at the Crossroads League Championships this past spring while the women look to take the next step in the building process after making some big strides this past year.

Charlie Phillips (SR/Mount Vernon, Ohio) is back as a senior and will anchor the men’s team this season. Phillips won five tournament titles a year ago and finished second in the Crossroads League Championship individual standings. Phillips was recognized for his efforts by being selected to the Crossroads All-League team.

Other key returners on the men’s side include Sean Thomas (SO/Johnstown, Ohio), Zack Forker (JR/Zanesville, Ohio), Jaron, Brust, Ethan Doon (SO/Johnstown, Ohio), and Chandler Cook (JR/Newark, Ohio). Head Coach Mike King also brought in some key recruits for this season which will help bolster an already strong roster. New to the team this year are Curtis Belcher (SO/Sparta, Ohio), Jonathon Miller (FR/Sugarcreek, Ohio), Kaden Welch (FR/Johnstown, Ohio), Sam Romine (FR/Martinsburg, West Virginia), Seth King (JR/Mount Vernon, Ohio), and Tyler Grate (SO/Millersburg, Ohio).

Three juniors will lead the women’s team during the upcoming season. Brittany Smith (JR/Zanesville, Ohio), Andrea Martin (JR/Pataskala, Ohio) and Danielle Shaver (JR/Uhrichsville, Ohio) all had strong showings in the Crossroads League tournament in the spring. Sophomore Phoenix Emde (SO/Newark, Ohio) will join Smith, Martin, and Shaver in leading this year’s team. Newcomers Hannah Hamm (FR/Plain City, Ohio) and Rachel Schroeder (FR/Hicksville, Ohio) hope to make an impact as freshman in 2015-16.