Salisbury had three golfers place in the top 50 at last year’s Colonial League Golf Championships at Bethlehem Golf Club. Fortunately for coaches Gregg Laub and Kelly Wetherhold, the top two are returning this fall for the Falcons’ golf team.

Tanner Ruth and Alex Suter were the Falcons’ top two players a season ago, and are now in the midst of their senior seasons leading the Salisbury team on the links.

Last season, Ruth shot a 99 and placed in a tie for 42nd at the league meet, while Suter shot a 108 for 49th place.

Early on this season through three matches, Ruth and Suter are shooting in the high 70s and providing exceptional leadership on the course.

“Tanner and Alex have come along way since ninth grade,” Laub said. “Their game has improved tremendously over the years. They are always giving each other tips to help take strokes off their game. They will be a big part of our success this year.”

The Falcons will be without graduate Ashley Karol, who placed third among seven female golfers at last year’s Colonial League Golf Championships. She shot a 107.

But there are a number of newcomers that Wetherthold and Laub expect to round out a steady top five scorers behind Ruth and Suter.

“Tanner just shot his lowest career score at Olde Homestead with a 74,” Wetherhold said. “We expect newcomers Nick Jewell, Zach Arner, Dan Kucsan, Ernesto Fermin and Dylan Weber to make an immediate impact, with AJ Lynn also helping to provide our team with some wins. Our goal is to continue building a program that gets more students excited to play this great sport.”

Ruth’s best finish this came against Northwestern last week when he shot a 75. Suter was right behind with a round of 79, followed by Jewell (87), Kucsan (99) and Fermin (100).

After a 0-12 season last year, the Falcons won their first match of 2019 back on August 19 against Wilson. Salisbury was paced by Suter’s 80, Ruth’s 86 and Jewell’s 89.

“Our seniors last year were Ashley Karol and Darrin Weber,” Wetherhold said. “Ashley would consistently shoot in the 90s and did very well at the district tournament. Both Alex and Tanner are returning and have already helped give us our first win of 2019.”

While the Falcons are progressing individually and as a team on the course, one thing has stood out to Laub and Wetherhold.

“The strength of the team is honesty and integrity,” Laub said. “I am proud that our kids are honest when they play.

“They don’t cheat on the scorecard and they act very respectful on the golf course. That goes a long way with both myself and Kelly. I like to hear from other coaches that my team was very respectful and honest.”