Witt’s Millice hopes to learn from slow start

Jordan Millice

By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer 11:37 PM Friday, May 1, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Jordan Millice is finally getting the hang of spring golf.

The Wittenberg University freshman and Triad High School graduate had never played in the spring until just a few months ago. After a few weeks of struggling, Millice is coming around.

“The weather’s not really as nice,” Millice said. “You get all the wind and the rain you can handle. It’s all been about working out the kinks during the round. It’s been a little rough but it will be for the better.”

Through 18.5 rounds this season, Millice has an 18-hole stroke average of 77.2. The Tigers are currently second, 75 strokes behind Division III 11th-ranked Ohio Wesleyan, in the North Coast Athletic Conference Golf Championship Series.

They’ll look to knock off the Battling Bishops at this weekend’s NCAC Golf Championship at the Country Club of Meadville, Pa.

If they can finish second, it would be the Tigers’ best finish in more than 10 years.

“It shows a lot of the potential we have,” Millice said. “It’d be a great stepping stone. Obviously, OWU is a great team. Beating them this weekend would be a moral victory. It will give us good confidence going into next season.”

Millice had lofty goals after finishing the fall season with a stroke average near 76. He was hoping to lower his average, but got off to a slow start adjusting to the spring environment and course conditions.

“The first few tournaments were extremely rough,” Millice said. “It was different playing in that climate, and I didn’t prepare enough during the winter. I’m getting back to where I was in the fall right now.”

He finished tied for eighth at the Wabash Invitational on April 18 with a 154. He also tied for 10th with a 150 at the Ted Barclay Spring Invitational on April 5.

Now, after a few months of struggling, Millice knows what it takes to play well in the spring. He admits its been a great learning experience, which he hopes to capitalize on later in his career.

“It’s definitely difficult coming off that long winter break,” Millice said. “It’s been a good learning experience to help me prepare for the future.”

Eaton crushing ball for the RedHawks

Miami University sophomore Adam Eaton, a Kenton Ridge graduate, is hitting .378 for the 23-18 RedHawks this season.

He also had 11 doubles, five triples and eight home runs.

He has started a team-high 39 games this season and leads the team in slugging percentage (.667), total bases (104) and stolen bases (20-for-20).

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365 or mcooper@coxohio.com.

Jordan Millice

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