The stage is set for the NAIT Ooks golf team heading into the 2023 ACAC Championships, held from September 22-24 at Alberta Springs Golf Course. Both the men's and women's teams are ready to showcase their talent, determination, and resilience with a chance to punch their ticket to the CCAA Nationals hosted by Humber College in King, Ontario, from October 14-18.
On the Men's Side
The Ooks men's team heads into the Championship with the goal of securing their spot at Nationals. The team has already proven its strength this season, finishing third in both regional tournaments. However, the margin for error is slim, as they narrowly beat Concordia by just one stroke in both events.
Head Coach Tyler Leicht acknowledges the pressure the team is facing but emphasizes their preparation and experience:
"Managing pressure when on the course during a Conference Championship is no small task. However, our student-athletes have been in this situation before, and with every event, you learn something about yourself and your golf game."
Fourth-year golfer Mason Gorski, who placed third in Regional 1 and fifth in Regional 2, is leading the charge for the Ooks. Gorski's consistency will be crucial, but the depth of the men's roster is just as vital. Teammates like Tanner Visser, Blake Feth, Ashton Karaim, Nathan Kasowski, Brophy Dunne, Cayden Clark, and Chris Rooker have all shown strong performances throughout the season, providing a solid foundation for a successful weekend.
Reflecting on the two regional tournaments, Coach Leicht sees room for improvement and is focused on consistency:
"We come out very strong on Day 1, and then give strokes back to the field on Day 2. We are focusing on a consistent round-by-round, hole-by-hole, shot-by-shot mentality."
On the Women's Side
The women's team is spearheaded by standout first-year golfer Ella Dolan, who has been a force to be reckoned with, finishing second and third in the first two regionals. With her sights set on securing one of the top six individual spots to qualify for Nationals, Dolan will be looking to continue her strong play. Coach Leicht is optimistic about her chances:
"Ella drives the ball exceptionally well, and her skill around the green makes her a threat. We know that her best is still yet to come this weekend."
Dolan is joined by teammates Lexi Gedny and Anna Atcheynum, who have shown notable improvement since the start of the season. Both players are in the mix for a spot at Nationals, making this weekend's Championship all the more exciting for the Ooks.
Preparation and Focus
As the team prepares for the ACAC Championships, the final practices have focused on the finer details—something Coach Leicht believes will make the difference:
"We have focused on the small things: taking good lines off the tee, getting up and down to mitigate against big numbers, and cleaning up our putting. We know the course, and we know what we need to do to play and place well."
Alberta Springs holds special memories for the NAIT Ooks, as it was the site of last year's qualification for Nationals. With that experience in mind, the team is poised to make another strong run this season.