After learning this would be the program’s final season, the Pilots are more motivated than ever to succeed
By Bruce Garlinghouse, Staff Writer -- garlingh13@up.edu
After one of its most successful fall seasons in years, which included two top-three finishes, the men's golf team started the spring season with a sixth place finish last week at the Snowman Getaway at The Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler, Ariz.
Senior Justin Smithhisler and sophomore Nick Chianello both recorded top 10 finishes. Smithhisler placed fifth in the tournament, finishing minus-two overall after a final round 69 and Chianello placed eighth finishing minus-1 over all.
This is the program's last season following the University's decision last October to end the program and make room for a women's varsity crew team in order to fulfill Title 9 requirements. Part of Title 9 requires universities to field varsity teams that accurately reflect student enrollment, leading UP to have establish a women's sport to remain compliant.
The decision came as a surprise for the team because of its success during the fall season. Smithhisler said he looks to end the season on a high point.
"It's pretty special to be able to have a successful season because it is the last one. We've changed things over the last four to five years and we're just looking to end it on a high point," Smithhisler said.
Although this would be Smithhisler's last season regardless, he said the decision last fall still serves as motivation.
"I feel bad for the other guys that would still have some seasons left," Smithisler said. "It's definitely been a motivation for the team to come together."
For guys like Sam Kloenne, their senior season has come early.
"I'm looking at this as my senior season," Kloenne said. "It would mean a lot to have a good season."
Kloenne said he tries to make his unfortunate situation a positive.
"The decision bonded us together," Kloenne said. "We've always had a lot of talent and after they decided to end the program, I think it's helped us define more of a goal for the team."
Kloenne said there is some added pressure to prove something.
"We're not only playing for each other, we're also playing to prove something to the University," Kloenne said.
The Pilots finished sixth in the WCC last season, but Smithhisler said he expects a better finish this season.
"Our goal is to make regionals and to win the WCC," Smithhisler said. "With the group of guys we have, I believe we can do it."
Kloenne said nothing could fully redeem his lost senior season, but a regional berth would be the closest thing to redemption.
"I don't think it will ever be OK," Kloenne said. "The goal has always been regionals and now this year we want to get there and prove to the University we should have a program."
The Pilots have three more tournaments before the WCC Championships in April.
