GOLF TEAM PREPARES FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Roane State men's golf team is headed to the NJCAA Division II Men's Golf Championship for the third consecutive year, continuing a rapid rise in national prominence for the program.

The tournament will be held May 20–23 at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana, showcasing the top junior college teams in the country.

After finishing fifth nationally in 2024, the Raiders are looking to build on their momentum. Head coach Chris Griffin credits the team's late-season surge and improved chemistry for getting them back to the big stage.

"We've had a lot of great individual play throughout the year," Griffin said. "But I think the team scoring has picked up a little bit towards the end, which is really what you want when you're going into the national championship. Team chemistry — it's been hard to figure out, but it looks like it's coming together, and it couldn't be better for us."

The Raiders are sticking to what has been working in their preparation, now fully focused on golf with the spring semester behind them. A tight-knit family atmosphere is also boosting morale.

"Noah Cambridge is a transfer from Carson-Newman — his dad will be at the national tournament, and most of our players' parents are coming," Griffin said. "So, the Roane State family will be there together, and that's what it's all about."

While physical preparation is essential, Griffin emphasized the importance of mental toughness. Since January, Roane State has partnered with the University of Tennessee's sports psychology department, working closely with specialist Hunter VanMeter.

"He's been working with our players weekly," Griffin said. "He teaches them breathing techniques, and how to slow their heart rates. It's all about having that mental edge. Everyone at nationals is talented, so we're hoping that work gives us the edge we need."

The program has steadily built its name in national golf circles since Griffin revived the program in 2018. He recalled that in their first nationals appearance, announcers mispronounced "Roane" as "Rohan" or "Rowe."

"They know who we are now," he said. "We look forward to showing back up and representing the Roane State family."

Athletics Department leadership said part of the program's increased success can be credited to the facilities as well as the coaching. Players train at Oak Ridge Country Club and a 12-hole, par-3 facility affectionately nicknamed "The Patch."

Additionally, the team benefits from an indoor facility and a trio of elite coaches, including nationally certified putting coach Tony Wright and veteran instructor Charlie Isham from South Carolina.

"We probably have three of the best coaches in the country," Griffin said. "These guys are teaching these young men how to be men."

Updates from the championship will be shared on the golf team page at roanestate.edu/mensgolf.