By: Bethany VonSeggern
From the GISC to the green the Griffons putted and swung their way to the end of a successful season finishing ninth at the NCAA Central Super Regional.
Head coach Greg Dillon said that some of the students’ success is related to the repetitive nature of the teams’ training regimen. The combination of a technical training with a four objective mental conditioning outline help the athletes with any situation.
The four major objectives applied to the Griffon golf team includes: dealing with pressure situations on the green; navigating through and ignoring distractions; decision making during a tournament; and the changing conditions of the weather because regardless of the elements, they will play through.
Assistant coach Ryan Hand said staying positive throughout a tournament is crucial to the dexterity of the athletes. During a typical tournament the athletes will carry a 40-pound bag while walking up and down hills for over 10 hours. Hand will gauge where each athlete is then guide them based off what he feels they need in that moment.
“It’s tough times; 36 holes – that’s 12 hours and they don’t get breaks,” Hand said. “It can be mentally and physically draining so I try to stay positive and give them the food for thought of ‘this is what needs to be done.’”
Dillon, who is in his fifth season at Western, said while over the years the kids and relationships change, seeing the growth of the golf program has been a wonderful experience. According to Dillon, this team is not afraid of a challenge and seeing a national basis competition vs. local and regional is one of the biggest changes.
“The biggest thing for me, is the view from the bottom up is a lot better than the view from the top down. That’s what I’ve got to see,” Dillon said. “We started from very humble beginnings and being able to have a program – that by design was good, but needed to go to the next level – it’s what we did.”
Although golf is typically viewed as an individual sport, the Griffons have excelled at making it a team effort. Both Dillon and Hand recognize leadership within Shi Qing Ong and Patrick McCarthy on the Men’s Golf team.
“I feel like Patrick and Shi Qing are team leaders, but they are not going to tell you they are, it’s all about the team for them,” Hand said. “They really want the team to be the first priority.”
The comradery, determination to place and leadership of the coaches and athletes has led the Griffons to a season of accomplishment. Ong, led the Griffons and won the playoffs advancing her to the DII National Championships.
Moving into a new season for 2018-2019 Dillon said the door is wide open and recruiting has expanded geographically. Both coaches are optimistic as the drive for success continues.
