As the temperature continues to drop and the last remaining leaves fall from the campus trees, it is a safe assumption that most people are not thinking about golf.

But while everyone else was focused on the back swing and follow through of their rake last week, the men's golf team wrapped up their 2004 fall season, swinging their way to an 8th place tie with Mercer at the 49er Intercollegiate in North Carolina.

The final tournament last weekend capped off a successful fall season for the Golden Eagles. Among the bright spots was a first place at the John Piper Intercollegiate, the season's first tournament.

The Golden Eagles' performance at that event made it clear the team had several golfers that could take the low score for the day. Head coach Tim Grogan feels the parity is a key to team success.

"The key to a really good college golf team is competition on the team, and we have that right now," he said.

It's why the Golden Eagles had one of the best seasons in recent history. After finishing in the top five three times in five intercollegiate tournaments, they broke a school record for scoring average by seven strokes.

One player all team members were shooting for by the end of the season was freshman Ted Gray, who took second place overall at the final intercollegiate. He averaged just under 72 strokes per 18 holes this season.

"He had the best fall by far, but everyone on the team can compete with him and beat him," Grogan said.

Entering his debut season, Gray had his own expectations coming off an average summer on the course, but said even he didn't realize his season would be this successful.

"I exceeded my season expectation, I'm playing some of the best golf I've ever played," he said.

Despite the success, Gray remains focused on getting better. Both Gray and Grogan admit there is room for improvement on his short game.

Luckily for the Golden Eagles, the success doesn't stop with Gray.

Right behind him are juniors Kyle Murphy, Steve Sass and Joe Weber. All three players averaged just over 73 strokes per round. Sophomore Michael Bielawski continued to impress in his second season with a scoring average of 74.

The common theme that can be found in all this success is youth, with the exception of seniors Nathan Colson and Jason Garre, every member of the 2004 Golden Eagles will be back next fall, and the future is looking bright for Marquette men's golf.

After wrapping up the season a week ago, the team gets to take a break. During the upcoming offseason, the players can take time to not only reflect on the fall season but also focus on the future. Grogan said this particular off-season could pay large dividends in the spring.

The players "can look at the success they had, look at what they're capable of," he said. "You get to think about that all winter and that gets your confidence up."

Regardless of the past success, the theme of improvement remains the same. The offseason will also include routine conditioning and indoor practice.

"There's always room for improvement," Grogan said.