Academics No. 1 for golf team
By Micah McVicker | Staff Writer
In addition to their play on the course, the University of Indianapolis men’s golf team earned recognition for their achievements in the classroom.
On July 10, three golfers were named All-American Scholars by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA). Senior Seth Fair and 2009 graduates Kyle Pearson and Justin Hueber received the honor. With three student-athletes on the list, UIndy joined Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC)-rival Lewis and St. Edward’s at the top.
Head coach Brent Nicoson said he takes pride in his golfers’ performance academically.
“Our academic goal is to be the No. 1 team on campus as far as team GPA. There was only 33 kids across the country that are on that team, and for us to have three is pretty cool,” Nicoson said.
In addition to the academic recognition, the 13th-ranked Greyhounds have displayed their skills on the course. The ‘Hounds concluded their fall season with a third-place finish at the NSU Shark Invitational held at Haig Course at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Individually, Blair Webb led all ‘Hounds with a 214 over three rounds, thanks to his final-round, 3-under-par 69. Yet while the season has reached its unofficial intermission, Nicoson isn’t worried about his players’ attitudes during winter break.
“This year is going to be a little different because we got invited to a very large tournament in early February, which we’ve never played that early before. It’s a pretty unique event that we got invited to because of how we finished the last couple years,” Nicoson said. “The thing about our kids right now is I don’t have to worry about what they’re doing-they all want to get better.”
On Tues., Sept. 29, the ‘Hounds competed in the 2009 Ken Partridge UIndy Invitational/NCAA Division II Preview at The Sagamore Club in Noblesville, fighting strong wind gusts and cold temperatures. UIndy prevailed against the elements, as they placed third among 18 teams, defeating the defending national champs and No. 4-ranked Sonoma State Seawolves.
“The weather conditions were ridiculous. [The] second round was cancelled due to wind. We’ve never had that happen before. Getting third in it [the tournament] just proved we can play with anybody in the nation. We played in that tournament so we can learn where we stand against the nation’s top level. It was a good experience,” Nicoson said.
Fair said how defeating such an accomplished team will benefit the team mentally.
“Anytime you can beat a defending national champion or any highly ranked team, I think it gives you confidence to know that you can compete with the teams that are highly ranked,” he said.
The Sagamore Club will host the NCAA Division II National Championship on May 18-21, 2010.
