~GOLF ATHLETICS - 264 YOUTH RULES GREEN UNDERCLASSMEN GOLFERS DOMINATE BISON TEAM The Bison golf team had a face-lift during the 2004-2005 season, with underclassmen accounting for nine of the 11 players on the team. This turn over, however, did not have a negative effect on the team, coach Nicky Boyd said. "This golf team is one of the most talented Harding has had in a long time," he said. In fact, the Bisons won the Central Baptist Invitational Oct. 4 and finished third in the Freed-Hardeman University Spring invitational April 5-6, 2004. Playing golf, for some Bison team members, was second nature. liMy dad started me when I was 4 years old playing golf:' sophomore Austin Osborn said. Osborn was not the only Bison who started at a young age. "I was introduced to golf at the age of 9," freshman Ryan Applegate said. "1have loved it ever since." Other team members paralleled the game with life, saying the sport taught them valuable lessons. "Golf is a lot like life," freshman Craig Devereaux said. "I learn patience and to take life one day at a time, like I take one shot at a time." One of the lessons players said they learned from golf was that practice was essential for success. "I practice every day on driving for one to two hours, and I practice chipping and putting for one hour," Osborn said. Some players spent up to five hours on the course practicing for tournaments. The young team managed balancing class and practice without too much trouble, Osborn said. "School comes first, but golf is first in my heart," Osborn said. The Bison golf team was younger, but quality was not sacrificed by age. "Our players are all around good quality players," Boyd said. "This gives the team great depth to work with." - JAMIE HIGGINS BISON TEAM Row 1:J. Wade, D. Murphy, A. Reynolds, L Demen\ T. Mar5 Row 2: N. Bo)ll, C Carstensen, R Applegate, C. DevereaW\ A. Osborn, A. Morgan.• J. MONTGOMERY
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