2026 MIAA Golf Preview

by Nelson Coffin

While Calvert Hall (A Conference) and St. John’s Catholic Prep (C) are seeking their second-straight championships, Boys’ Latin will attempt to become the first MIAA golf program to be crowned in four consecutive seasons this spring, although the Lakers will have to make it happen in the A.

With the hope for better weather ahead, let the matches begin. 

A CONFERENCE

MIAA Player of the Year Brooks Manning (Salisbury), three-time All-Conference performer Ryan Hoffner (Towson) and Enzo Pobletts all return for their fourth varsity campaign for defending champ Calvert Hall.

Look for Ashton McMyne (Dickinson) College to lend even more experience to a unit that also includes fellow seniors James Jean-Baptiste, Bryan Hebding and Owen Zellinger, juniors Briggs O'Connell and Sam Dawes, sophomores Landon O'Hara (school-record freshman points) and Liam Cambley and freshman Mac Ball.

"We've been working very hard over the last few months to get ready," 14th-year coach Drew Forrester said, noting the Cardinals will open the season March 23 against McDonogh. "Like everyone else, we had to navigate our way through the crazy weather in January and February.  But we've worked very hard in the gym, in the indoor simulators and, recently, out on the golf course.  We have a very experienced lineup, obviously. I'm excited to see what this group can do in 2026.  We have a roster full of very talented players."

Gilman coach Mike Wallace said that his team, which has already carded wins over D.C.-area rivals DeMatha, St. Albans and Bullis, is “standing on the metaphorical first tee of a new season, excited for all that lies ahead.”

Led by senior James Hobelman and junior Drew Klein, three other returning players and four new additions, the Greyhounds are eager to bring their best every day, Wallace added.

After losing five seniors to graduation, Mount St. Joseph coach Ed Schultheis is preparing to start the season with a sophomore-forward roster.

“We are a much younger team this year, with five sophomores leading the way,” he said. “Two members of the team have never played competitive golf before this year. This year definitely looks to be a learning year for our younger team, but the future looks bright.”

Spearheaded by sophomores Carter Perkins and Vince Spence and a pair of winter-sport standouts, senior wrestler Jake Tamai and junior ice hockey performer Eric Bieda, the Gaels are hoping to bring some grit and intensity to the golf course this year.

“I’m sure we aren't the only team feeling the pressure of a condensed start to the season, with snow and cold temperatures that hampered the beginning of the spring sports season,” Schultheis said. “It has been a challenge to find time and course availability to get up to speed for the jam-packed MIAA season, but our young guys are geared up for the tough fight ahead against some pretty stacked teams in our league. After losing so many seniors, we know we are a bit of an untested commodity, but I don't think my guys would have it any other way.”

Archbishop Spalding could be hard-pressed to duplicate last spring’s run to the conference finals after losing its top-three to graduation and transfer, coach Peter Van Zandt said.

“(We) will depend on the development of a successful JV program to compete in the A Conference,” the coach added.  

Led by senior captains Calhan Cassidy and Billy Cumming, the team must get continued contributions from junior returnees Grant Christiansen and Charlie Solomon, Van Zandt concluded.  

Coming off three straight B Conference championships, Boys’ Latin is ready to take the next step into the formidable A Conference, according to coach Garrett Glaeser. 

“Our team is led by two four-year starters and senior captains Lucas Erdman and Charlie Miller,” Glaeser said, noting the duo have ended their first three campaigns by raising championship banners.

Harrison Roberts, the 2024 MIAA Player of the Year, also returns as a key contributor for his junior season while sophomores James Barrett, Harris Rubenstein and Michael Thompson will be moving up in the lineup to tackle  bigger roles.

“While we’ve had tremendous recent success in the B, we know A Conference golf is on a different level — more talent, more matches, and new courses for us to play,” Glaeser said. “Our guys are ready for the challenge and are excited to make some noise as the newcomers."

A nice balance of seniors and underclassmen should help to make Loyola Blakefield coach Joe Ciattei's life a little easier this spring.  

Opening the conference season against the two previous champs, Calvert Hall and St. Paul's, should give his team a good idea of where it stands, McDonogh coach Andy Motsko said.

"I think we have a team that will be competitive," the coach added.

One of the reasons for optimism is the composure displayed by Landon Rottman, who won 11 of 14 matches as a freshman last spring.

"He has all the skills you need, and he's so strong mentally," Motsko said. "He never gets too high or two low. He just moves on to the next shot."

The same can be said for fellow sophomore Boden Borz, who has a similar mind-set despite being a relative newcomer to the sport.

"He's mentally tough," Motsko said. "He hangs in there, and he has improved dramatically."

When Motsko asked his players to compete in at least eight tournaments this summer, sophomore Sawyer Baines went above and beyond by playing 22.

"He came back (like) a new golfer," the coach said.

Three-year starter Cole Maller, a skilled lefty with "a steadying influence on the team," serves as a captain with senior Nate Eldridge.

B CONFERENCE

A strong pairing of juniors Harrison Tindall and Casey Boyd should give 2025 runner-up Severn a chance to excel in every match. 

“Harrison earned Conference Player of the Year in 2025, posting an 8-2-2 individual record at the #1 spot,” coach Matt Reichwein said. “Casey posted an undefeated 10-0-2 individual record at the #2 spot (in-conference matches only). These two won a combined 75% of available points in the 1-2 group for the season.”

Junior Charlie O'Donnell and sophomore Matthew Cawlfield also bring valuable experience to the lineup, considering they both started in last year's championship match against BL.

“With Boys Latin moving to the A Conference, the landscape of our league has changed rather significantly,” Reichwein added. “Our deep, tight-knit roster is ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead with humility and passion. It has been a privilege to work with this group. I can't wait to get them out on courses more now that the weather has cleared up.”

Saints Peter and Paul’s lineup lists four returning seniors, all of whom started every match last year.

Included in that group are the three-time Nos. 1 and 2 performers and a pair of standout sophomores who played as freshmen.  

“We have added two freshmen this year who will be vying for spots on the starting six as well,” coach Tony Del Puppo said. “This is likely the best team SSPP has fielded in many years.  We are hoping to break through and win the B Conference title this year.”

Although seniors Trent Turner, Reed Frankos, Grady Campbell, and Mason Jacobs are all capable of playing at the collegiate level, none of them intends to do so, Del Puppo added  

“Our sophomores are Gavin Corner and Chase Olavsrud, while our top-two incoming freshmen are Nolan Rider and Isabella Jancosko,” he concluded.

C CONFERENCE

Coach Evan Rutherford  said that his Gunston squad is returning three starters from the program’s inaugural MIAA campaign. 

“After making the playoffs a year ago, we are looking to build off that strong start and continue to form into a strong program,” he added.

Friends School saw a major uptick of interest in the golf program this year, according to coach Eddie VannDyck. 

Sophomore Sully Farvolden returns to compete at the No. 1 spot after continuing to build his resume through tournament play in the offseason. 

“Sully currently boasts a 4.4 handicap index and calls Hayfields CC his home course,”  Van Dyck continued. “As many players have aptly stated, this year is about the grind and continuing to make minor adjustments to build on a solid foundation.”

(This article may be updated as more league coaches respond to our inquiries.)