As the sun rises on a new golf season, there's a palpable mix of excitement and anticipation as the NAIT Golf Team prepares for its inaugural season back in the ACAC. After a hiatus since 2014, the team is ready to tee off again and make their mark in collegiate golf. Head Coach Tyler Leicht shares his thoughts on this exciting journey.
"Bringing the NAIT Golf Team back to the ACAC for the first time since 2014 is exciting, but nerves and anxiety are also felt," Coach Tyler Leicht admits. "Coming into the Conference for Golf is new for not only myself but every member of the Golf Team. For many of the student-athletes, these will be their first tournament rounds of Golf. With that said, myself and the rest of the coaching staff are excited to get to work and showcase what NAIT has to offer Golf in the ACAC."
The season may be short, but the expectations are high. Coach Leicht discusses their approach, saying, "While Golf in the ACAC is a short season, it is a fast-paced schedule with a tournament three weekends in a row. The student-athletes have been preparing on their own throughout the summer, but from tryouts to our first team practice, we will put in the work to prepare for our first event. We have to come together as a team fast, but I believe we have the right student-athletes and the right staff to make this team a success on the course and in the classroom."
When asked about his aspirations for the season, Coach Leicht is candid. "I would be lying if I said I did not want the team to win," he says. "As a competitive person, I go into any challenge/task to do my best to achieve the best results possible. We have tremendous student-athletes who will surprise themselves and the rest of the Conference when it's time to compete. While finishing higher on the leaderboard is great, I really hope to lay the foundation for a successful program this season in our comeback year. This inaugural class of student-athletes this year will write that story and set a precedent for years to come."
The NAIT Golf Team boasts a roster of 12 student-athletes competing this season, including four women and eight men. Coach Leicht is excited about the diverse talent within the team. "The NAIT Golf Team has some exciting in-house talent this season," he reveals. "From the NAIT Men's Volleyball Team, we have the reigning North Player of the Year, Mason Gorski, who is looking to have a successful rookie season on the golf course."
"Transferring to NAIT for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, Blake Feth played Golf for the University of Alberta Augustana Vikings in the ACAC from 2018-2020. Blake is returning to the ACAC, now as an Ook, and his experience and knowledge of the ACAC Golf landscape will be an asset for himself and his teammates as we begin the season."
The team also welcomes athletes from other sports. "From the NAIT Women's Hockey Team, we have Michaella Kibblewhite, Bre Martin, Hanna Paquette, and Kaitlyn Slator," Coach Leicht mentions. "These four ladies are veterans on the ice and are looking to showcase their skills on the course. Cole Rivard, who has been with the NAIT Curling Team for a few years, is another dual-sport athlete joining the NAIT Golf Team."
With their roster filled and their sights set on success, Coach Leicht is optimistic about the Ooks' prospects. "The best part about Golf is that any day can be someone's day," he notes. "We are going into a competitive ACAC Golf Conference, but we are looking to threaten on both the Men's and Women's sides for the top of the leaderboard. I believe we have a very strong team returning to the ACAC in Golf for NAIT, and I think we are going to surprise some teams this season."
As the NAIT Golf Team prepares to take on the greens, a new chapter in their storied history is set to begin. With ambition, dedication, and a love for the game, the Ooks are ready to make their presence felt in the world of collegiate golf once again. Their season begins on Saturday, September 9th, at the Jagare Ridge Golf Course.