I am thankful to be at Lycoming. This is my second stint as the Warrior’s Golf Coach. I took a five-year hiatus after my mid-life crisis. I was with the team from 2001 to 2015. I stepped away to focus on other side hustles. They were extremely fun while they lasted. I got the call this past summer. It was definitely a no-brainer. Stepping away from hoops left a major void. Interacting with kids is still very important. I am thrilled to be back for my 16th season. No. I am not tenured. But this is the best gig in America.
Coaching Division III golf is simply fantastic. There are so many perks and very few distractions. My guys are the best, and there is no drama. No expectations. There is considerably less pressure than coaching high school basketball. The parents and administration love me. We have a great school, and I am here to provide some memories with the overall college experience.
My roster features some outstanding lads. They are so different, but we are meshing. The van rides and interactions are splendid. We have a ball. Each outing trumps the previous adventure. Would I like my kids to make more putts? Absolutely. But they are great kids, and I enjoy the camaraderie.
THIS IS THE WORST I HAVE EVER PLAYED. You said that last week. I KNOW. BUT THIS IS SO BAD. Where is your jacket? Your hat? I TOOK THEM OFF, COACH. I DON’T WANT ANYONE TO KNOW THAT I AM AFFILIATED WITH LYCOMING COLLEGE. MY ERRANT TEE BALL ALMOST HIT ONE OF THE SPECTATORS. I’M SORRY.
I still love the game but play very little. But being around my guys has sparked my interest. Golf takes time. It’s expensive. I will occasionally tee it up in a few scrambles. Perhaps a few better balls with partners. There is a rumor that I am now going out for fun. Not the case, kids. I’d rather fish. But you may see me a few more times this summer. WCC Invitational?
Props to my guys. They make this gig so refreshing. I would love to tell you more. But what is said in the golf van. Stays in the golf van.
Blake Premo is a senior from upstate NY. He is a fantastic guy who loves the game. He is the team’s most dedicated. Blake was a former hockey and lacrosse star. Now he hits bombs and misses short putts. Michael Coe is my other senior. He is a football player and punter from Pittson. Mike is our five-guy, and he definitely gets his money’s worth. Coe is a great dude, and I love his style. Not many can rock long hair and an ugly mustache. Michael is a fantastic student. 4.0 last semester.
WHERE’S MY SLEEVE OF TITLEISTS? You. Don’t get one. WHY IS THAT? Well. I need you to break 100. Stop donating them to the woods. COACH. THAT IS SO LAME. What? Why would I give you $15 to watch you throw them in a creek?
Ian Plankenhorn is well known. The ALL-MAC kicker gets a lot of pub. I actually did a column on the Montoursville native when he kicked a 40-yarder in high school. Another great student. He is well dressed. Wears cool glasses and folds his pants. Austin Craig is a soccer player from Maryland. He is our number 1. Austin is solid from tee to green — great kid who doesn’t say much from the back. Dylan Seck hails from Sayre. OMG. This kid is a riot. Dylan is young and super talented. Honors student. My man is also a certified EMT. His storytelling is off the charts. You wouldn’t believe what he says.
The boys and I are getting ready for our Conference Championships. We will play Huntsville CC very soon — tough and gorgeous track. The golf course usually wins. But the Warriors have the most fun. We try to keep things simple and play bogey golf. My guys are grand. They keep me on my toes. I am glad that I am back. Cheers.
