Men’s golf team gains experience

With 13 players on the team, seven starters and six redshirts, the guys who make up the men’s golf team are all eager to play. However, most are freshmen, and their inexperience is reflected in their record.

In their final two Western State Conference matches, one hosted by Glendale College at Oakmont Country Club, and the other hosted by Citrus College at the Marshall Canyon Golf Course, the Owls finished seventh out of seven teams.  

During both events, Andrew Nicassio led the Owls.  He shot a team low of 84 at Oakmount and shot a three over par at Marshall Canyon.

With the season at a close, the men’s golf team has a win-loss record of 1-36 (which is based on the overall number of competing teams).

Freshman business major Kei Kusomoto, 26, came to the United States from Zusi, Japan, five years ago. Kusomoto red-shirted last year. Now Kusomoto is excited to be part of the elite half-dozen golfers who compete for Citrus College.

He is also licensed to teach golf by the United States Golf Teachers Federation.

Freshman business major Jonathan Jarin, 20, is in his first year with the golf team. He is learning to compete on the collegiate level from Coach Trip Horton whom he describes as “down-to-earth and easy to work with.”

Team leader Nicassio, 20, is in his second year. Nicassio has been playing golf for four years. He considers it to be both his passion and a very relaxing sport.

“The season could be better. We haven’t played to our ability,” Nicassio said.

Team captain Robert Parker, 20,  is majoring in mechanical engineering.

Parker said that he enjoys the competiveness and challenges of the sport, and that he managed to remain optimistic.

“Robert has the best head on his shoulders,” Horton said. “He is always willing to help everyone out.”

Buisness major Oscar Celio, 21, said he has learned swing techniques this season.

“We all have good chemistry, and Robert Parker helps everyone out a lot,” Celio said.
Business major Michael Verderber, 19, was inspired to learn to play golf from his dad.

Horton, who is also the Citrus women’s golf coach, commented that most of the men already have background knowledge of the sport, which makes his spring season job easier job.

He also mentioned that although there are fewer women who play golf, they have a much better opportunity to receive scholarships.

Horton said that he prides himself in knowing the mental aspects of the game, which requires concentration and focus.

Although the men’s golf season is at an end, freshmen Mike Vanderber will be representing Citrus College at the California Regional Championships at the Southern California Golf Association Course in Murrieta, Ca on Monday, May 10.