Precision and skill reign supreme in the world of golf, and the NAIT Ooks used both this past weekend at the ACAC Championships. With determination and grit, they've secured their spots at the CCAA Nationals in Quebec, and the journey to this remarkable achievement is exciting.
For the men's team, the journey began with a strong showing on the first day of competition. They stood tall in third place, just two points shy of the Concordia Thunder, who held the coveted second place. It was a promising start, but round two saw a temporary dip as they slipped to fourth. However, champions don't falter; they rally. However, in the third round, they rallied, surpassing the Medicine Hat College Rattlers by one point, claiming the ACAC Bronze Medal and sealing their ticket to the CCAA National Championship in Quebec from October 16-20.
But the story of triumph doesn't end there. On the women's side, Michaella Kibblewhite emerged as a standout player. Sitting in eighth place after the first round, she showed her skill and determination in the second round, leaping up two spots to claim sixth place. Undaunted, she continued to shine in the third round, sealing her spot at Nationals with an impressive fifth-place finish.
The team's success is not only a testament to their skill and dedication but also to the exceptional leadership of Head Coach Tyler Leicht. In his first season as an ACAC Head Coach, he earned the title of ACAC Coach of the Year. It's a recognition of his remarkable coaching skills and unwavering commitment to the team's success.
Coach Leicht expressed his pride in the team's achievement: "I am very proud of our team. As a first-year returning program to ACAC Golf, we accomplished an incredible feat of qualifying six athletes for CCAA Nationals. The five men and Michaella are so deserving."
Looking ahead to Nationals, Coach Leicht shared the team's excitement, "We are excited heading into Nationals! It's new territory for everyone on the team, but we are looking forward to representing NAIT and the ACAC in Quebec City."
With the CCAA Nationals on the horizon, the NAIT Ooks golfers are ready to swing, putt, and drive their way to new heights of excellence. Their journey to Quebec starts on October 16th.