April 28, 2011
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By Brandon Naidus
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The saying, "Hard work pays off," rang true for the UCF men's golf team. Hard work coupled with great leadership from program veterans helped the team win its third-consecutive Conference USA title.
The Knights finished the 11-team event at the Texarkana Country Club at 862 (-2) Tuesday, two shots ahead of second-place Memphis. After being tied for eighth going into the second round, the team's determination helped them make it to third going into the final round. The teams faced difficult weather the first two days, but the wind finally died down on the third day. The Knights benefited from the mild weather to shoot an 8-under 280, and take the title.
After winning the title, head coach Bryce Wallor commended his hard working group. "I couldn't ask for another thing from these guys. They give me their best everyday of practice. No matter what we are doing, people want to win," Wallor said. After a tough first day, the team's mindset remained strong.
"Having a competitive group like that, the first thing they said was we're not done," Wallor said.
Wallor praised veterans Connor Arendell, Nuno Henriques, and Brad Schneider for leading by example.
"Their leadership is great in so many ways. Away from practice, away from coaching, those three have been around our practice center a great deal, putting in extra effort."
The coach claimed that freshmen Kyle Wilshire and Greg Eason listened to the leaders and have spent just as much time on the range as their veteran teammates.
The team has won the conference championship in both years that Wallor has been at the helm. NCAA Regional competition will begin May 19.