SEASON OUTLOOK - 2009-2010

The Fire enters the 2009-2010 with an entire new look. For the first time in school history Southeastern will compete in the NAIA's Sun Conference.

For the first time in five years Southeastern has a new coach. Steve Phelps was named head coach for the Fire earlier this summer and brings over 15 years of golf experience with him to the program.

Coach Phelps takes over the program after former coach Evan Gibson resigned to become the school's full-time sports information director. Gibson guided the Fire to the school's first NCCAA National Championship in 2007. He coached the Fire from 2005-2009.

The Fire also lost four-year player and three time NCCAA All-American, Matt Parziale. Parziale set every major statistical record in his four years at Southeastern, so his golf talent and leadership on the course will be severely missed.

Returning to the Fire this year will be junior Chris Burke. Burke finished his 2008-2009 year with a third place finish in the 20th Annual Eagle Invitational at Pelican Bay Golf Club in Daytona Beach. He shot a three round total of 221 (72-77-72) and finished his spring season with a 76.17 scoring average.

Sophomores Drew Mathews, Matthew Madsen, and Evan McIntosh also return for the 2009-2010 campaign.

Mathews finished last year with a 76.28 scoring average which was good for second place on the team. His fall semester average was a 74.22 after he started his collegiate career with three top-10 finishes.

Mathews took second place in the 2008 Chick-fil-A Invitational in Rome, Ga., after shooting a two day total of 142 (71-71).

Madsen was a solid player for the Fire as a freshman. His best finish was fourth place in the 2008 Fire Classic at Bridgewater Golf Club in Lakeland. Madsen shot 144 (72-72) which was four over par for the tournament.

McIntosh appeared in seven tournaments last year, and the coaching staff is expecting him to compete for a top five position again this year.

Newcomers, Dylan Alasky, Isaac Spencer, Evan Fleeman, and Raymond Walsh all hope to help the Fire compete for a Sun Conference title.

Alasky is a transfer from NCAA II Fairmont State University in Fairmont, West Virginia. He is expected to bring plenty of collegiate experience with him to the Fire.

Spencer is a highly regarded recruit from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and comes from Mount Tabor High School. He was a top 25 rated player on the Future Collegians World Tour and his Assembly of God background makes him a perfect fit for the Fire.

Fleeman grew up in nearby Auburndale and attended Sonrise Christian School in Lakeland. He comes in this year with some confidence after winning the Junior Citrus Open at Cleveland Heights Golf Club with a birdie on his final hole just this summer.

Walsh is a freshman from Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and the coaching staff is excited about his upside.

Southeastern opens their year with a trip to Lake Wales, Fla. to play in the annual Lake Wales Fall Invitational, September 19-20, at the Lake Wales Country Club.