It looks as if the new season is upon us! I feel like the team has a renewed dedication this spring season. From all that I can see, we are all working hard and are really wanting to make waves this spring in our division. We have been consistently braving the cold weather and snow to make the trip to Westerville and work on our swings under the heated tees. On top of that, we have also implemented early morning (and when I say early morning, I mean it, 6 A.M. to be exact) practices for putting and swing mechanics. This is the first time in my career at MVNU that I have seen this kind of dedication from our team. While this team may not be the most talented on paper, I believe that we have the heart and "togetherness" that most teams do not. We all seem to get along and we are all striving for the same goal. We want to improve on our fall season as most of us were embarrassed with how we finished. Not making NCCAA Nationals was a huge hit to our pride. We felt like we should have gotten there and to not be there in the end was a major disappointment. Personally, I was the most upset I've ever been at this silly game we call golf. I took a two and a half month break from anything golf. I didn't play it, watch it, touch my clubs or even try to think about the game. Sometimes with such a fickle game and playing at such a high level, you need a total break. I believe this paid off because I have returned with a renewed sense of drive and purpose. I want to win, nothing less will suffice. We will see how this season goes as we kick off our spring qualifiers down in Florida at the beautiful World Woods Golf Club. Pine Barrens will certainly be a stern test to begin the season. I can't wait. Brighter times are ahead for MVNU Golf. I promise that.

Well, since we are in the off-season and the trend with these sports blogs seems to be to make a section or two about "meet the team", I will follow suit.

Our first player I would like to introduce is......JIM NICHOLS!

Jim is a junior Spanish Education major. (I believe. I mean, who honestly knows their academic standing in college, for sure?) What can I say about Jim? I totally and utterly adore this guy. He has become such a good friend in the past two years and I never would have imagined it. Jim is original from Boston, Mass. He is married to his wonderful, beautiful, amazing, wife, Taryn. These two are a match made in Heaven and are two of the most important people in my life. They are such positive influences and I am so thankful for both of them. There have been many times where Jim and I schedule "man dates" and go eat together. It's nice to catch up like that because we both have such busy schedules. Jim graduated from Mount Vernon High School, my alma mater as well, in 2007, which was also my graduating class! I have seen him become more and more passionate about the game of golf every time he sets foot on a putting green, driving range, or first tee. It excites me to see someone work as hard as Jim does. He is constantly asking questions, trying to learn and get better. I told him at the beginning of last year if he just makes no worse than bogey on any hole, he will improve drastically. Jim took those words to heart and truly worked on grinding through every shot, good and bad, and never giving up. Jim is very laid back guy, but at heart is one of the most competitive people I have ever met. He wants to beat you at everything and anything, whether it be golf or tiddlywinks. He's a competitor and I love that. I would have to say the best thing about Jim's game is his ball-striking. He has a consistent shot shape - the big swooping draw a la Rocco Mediate! I love playing casual rounds with Jim and trying to teach him little things I have come to know about this game during our rounds. He listens, listens well, and will truly take my advice to heart. While I believe Jim has learned a lot from me about this silly game, he has taught me more than he knows about being a man and being a true friend. I can't wait to see what this year holds for him as I believe he is going to have a big breakthrough this year. Jim is also going on his first spring break trip with the team in about a month and it's time to show this rookie the ropes! It's going to be a great time!

Until next time...