Sept. 14, 2010
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By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - A few weeks ago, UCF head coach Bryce Wallor presented 2010 Conference USA Championship rings to the four returning players on the Knights' roster. Wallor, who is in his second year in Orlando, made sure that his large group of freshmen were in attendance when the rings were distributed. He wanted the rookies to know just what their hard work on the course can lead to. After the rings were issued, Wallor told his team that the desire to get better every day can lead to a successful season, and hopefully another league championship crown and spot in the postseason.
Just days after the ring presentation, the Knights began the campaign in superb fashion. Thanks to a first-place performance from junior Connor Arendell (Cape Coral, Fla.), UCF tied for second against a strong field at the Wolf Run Intercollegiate in Indiana. Arendell was not the only UCF veteran who excelled at the three-day event. Fellow junior Brad Schneider (Valrico, Fla.) tied for sixth.
Wallor was pleased that freshmen Kyle Wilshire (Georgetown, Ky.), Greg Eason (Leicestershire, England) and Hojin Kang (Lake Mary, Fla.) were able to make their collegiate debuts at the tournament, and witness Arendell and Schneider shine against some of the top players in the country.
"It is so important for those three guys to get such great leadership. These guys are great, hard workers. They take instruction well. Yet they are standing there telling the freshmen what they need to be doing. It is like having extra coaches. I can't thank them enough for their leadership," Wallor said.
Arendell had an outstanding summer, posting impressive finishes at several events around the nation. He actually arrived to school late because he advanced to the round of 32 at the U.S. Amateur Championship in Washington in late August. Despite Arendell's grueling summer schedule, Wallor was not surprised that he fared so well in Indiana. Arendell concluded the tournament at 5-under 208.
"Connor enjoys practice," Wallor said. "He is one of the hardest working guys that I have ever been around. He is a great student who also finds a lot of time to focus on golf. It is no shock to me that he worked as hard as he did over the summer, and came back and still performed well."
Although Arendell received most of the headlines after taking medalist honors, Schneider's play was just as important in helping the Knights to a great team showing. During Saturday's second round, he carded a 3-under 68. He concluded play at 217 (+4).
"Brad's play was not overshadowed by Connor," Wallor said. "He had an unbelievable second round of golf. When we needed him, he was right there for us."