2024 Fort Recovery boys golf preview

2023 season

The Indians had one of their best seasons during coach Dean Sanders’ tenure, finishing with a 7-7 (5-4 Midwest Athletic Conference) record and finishing fourth in the MAC standings. Three of their four conference losses came by three strokes or less and they didn’t lose to a team that finished below sixth-place in the MAC. Their season ended in the sectional after finishing three strokes short of a district appearance.

Coach Dean Sanders says

“Last year we finished fourth in the MAC and felt like we had a successful year, but obviously we’re looking to expand on that success in 2024. We have a group of talented golfers this year and we’re looking forward to a great season. A couple things that we are working on that will be an important part to how we play this season are our short game and reducing penalty strokes. I think that comes along with playing the course with better management.

Projected lineup

Keegan Muhlenkamp

Reece LeFevre

Eli Lennartz

Caleb Smith

Riley Grieshop

Colson Post

Mason Diller

Drew Backs

Top returners

Keegan Muhlenkamp

42.5 strokes/nine holes

Reece LeFevre

43.2 strokes/nine holes 

Eli Lennartz

43.7 strokes/nines holes

Key departures

Nate Jutte

44.3 strokes/nine holes

Alex Dues

45.4 strokes/nine holes 

Matthew Romer

46.7 strokes/nines holes

Matches to watch

Tuesday, Aug. 6, in Mercer County Meet

Fort Recovery opens its season at the Mercer County Meet, which will give them a sense of where they are at and a taste of an 18-hole match. 

Monday, Aug. 12, at Marion Local

FRHS opens conference play against the Flyers this year. Last year, MLHS edged the Indians by three strokes but ultimately fell in the conference tournament.

Thursday, Aug. 22, at Minster

The Indians were one stroke away from toppling MAC champion Minster a season ago. Picking off the reigning champs that went 8-0 would cement the Indians near the top.

Fast facts

•The Indians are 17 players deep this season, including six newcomers for the 2024 season.

•All three of Fort Recovery’s Second Team All-MAC players (Keegan Muhlenkamp, Reece LeFevre and Eli Lennartz) return this year, but they lose honorable mentions Nate Jutte and Alex Dues.

•Despite finishing 0.500 on the year, the Indians had the match medalist in 10 of the 14 dual-matches in 2023.

•This will be the sixth year Dean Sanders has coached Fort Recovery.