DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Bethune-Cookman opens its 2012-2013 Men's Golf season this weekend with redemption in the back of its mind.

The Wildcats were unable to defend their 2011 National Minority Golf Championship, falling behind after the first round and unable to capitalize on a third-round opportunity to take the lead. B-CU finished third.

"Nationals are important, but, for now, we're focused on the entire season," said B-CU Head Coach Loritz "Scooter" Clark. "The goal is to be consistent, being prepared and having the correct approach."

FAMILIAR FACES: Everyone's back from last year, including 2010 NMGC individual medalist Matthew McKnight, who won the 2011 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Showcase, JaMichael Jones, who won at the FAMU Spring Invitational, McKnight and Jones each averaged just over 74 strokes per 18 holes and posted four top ten finishes. Alex Clapp is the lone senior. Emmanuel Petrich and Rafael Abad each had two tops in 11 appearances.

There are two newcomers on the roster: Leon and Ryan Fricker, both from England.

THIS WEEKEND: B-CU will compete in the 16-team STX Match Play hosted by Towson University.

"Our players practice in a match play format," Clark said. "Match play makes you more aggressive since you're trying to win each hole. If you lose a hole, you can lose big."

OF NOTE: B-CU has won five national men's national minority titles.

-- Dan Ryan