Sept. 17, 2007

The team made quite a charge on the final day of the John Piper Intercollegiate, going from 12th to 6th on the final day. Do you think the team now realizes just what they are capable of?

I believe that this team knew all along what we were capable of. I was telling these guys on the way home, I really enjoy being out there and knowing that not one of these guys will dog it or give up. To know that the four other guys playing ahead of you out there have the same mentality you do is certainly a fantastic feeling.

How did you and the team as a whole adapt to the poor weather on the second day?

To be honest, I don't think the weather affected any of us. We are all so used to playing in terrible conditions. We've dealt with it throughout High School and on into College, so needless to say the five of us were properly prepared.

You were especially strong throughout the tournament, with 11 birdies over the course of the tournament. How were you feeling the first day as you saw the rest of the team struggling?

I felt alright after the first day and even the first round. I knew that there were four other guys that were capable of flipping the switch and playing some really good golf at any moment. We knew that the first round was about as bad as we could have done. A few of us made some mistakes, myself included, that we don't normally make and we all just understood that there was a whole other round to be completed. We stayed patient and played some pretty good golf in the afternoon round which put us back into a position where we could potentially make a move.

When you're out on the golf course, are you more focused on your personal success or the team's?

Obviously you have to take care of your own business, but it is definitely nice to know what is going on with your other teammates. We see each other often out there on the course, so if one of us is playing well or playing poorly another teammate can give them some encouragement and let them know we are all there and pulling for them. But I am a member of this team and I would never put myself ahead of that. Team comes before the individual.

This summer was a nice one to have because I was able to play a lot of golf and get some good work in on the range and short game area. It also allowed me to play some good tournaments and the experience I gained in those important ones I played in was huge. Even though it was only my club championship, a win is a win and winning equals confidence. I enjoyed my time away but I think it's great to be back and the summer really kept me looking forward to this season.

You had a nagging wrist problem last season; have you fully recovered from the injury?

The left wrist still is a little bit of a bother, but its just one of those things you get used to dealing with. I've dealt with it for a few years now and anyone who has experienced something with the wrist knows it isn't much fun. I've done a good amount of things to help with the pain after a long practice session and will continue to do so.

Now that you are in your final season, what do you know you can accomplish and what do you hope you can?

The main goal for me this season is to have a great time and truly enjoy it. If I can continue to put myself in positions to help and assist my team in every way possible, then that would be great. I think playing well takes care of everything. Playing well would mean that I help my teammates out, and when I don't have my best stuff, I know that one of them will be there to back me up. That's just the type of guys that I have along with me. As far as personal goals go, I'm just going to let my playing put me wherever it chooses to put me. If I end up winning a tournament or not, like I said the main goal is to help my team and that's exactly what I will try to do.

What benefits are there for the team with Ben Howe as a new assistant? After being his teammate, how has your relationship with him changed?

Having Benny there as our assistant coach is a nice feeling. He has a lot of experience and he can help not only me, but more importantly, some of these younger guys out there. The knowledge he has gained over the years is tremendous and I know he will continue to do his part in assisting us any way he can. My relationship with him really hasn't changed because I know that he will help me out if I need it just like he has done since I've been here.

It may seem far away, but after last year's third-place finish in the A-10s, do you think the team is ready to win it all this year?

The ultimate goal is for all five guys to click at A-10's in May. We all know that, and we all want that to happen. It's certainly hard not to look ahead to that, seeing as though it will be my last one there and last tournament in general. I think we all believe that it would take some absolutely tremendous golf over the period of three days in Orlando to win that championship. There is tremendous competition in our conference for golf and there are a couple teams, namely Charlotte and Xavier that are extremely talented.

What is one lasting memory of your time with the golf team?

A lasting memory of my time here with these guys is that I know whenever I need one of them to back me up, they'll be there. These guys are very talented, but also and more importantly, they're good people. I've definitely enjoyed my time with them over the years and will continue to do so until that final round is over in May 2008.