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Show WSU student athlete appreciative of support As a recent graduate, I have had some time to reflect upon my experience at Weber State University. I owe a great deal of thanks to many people who not only provided me with the opportunity to attend college, get a degree and participate in collegiate golf, but also helped prepare me for the future. I thank my coach, Jeff Smith, who saw an inexperienced golfer and was willing to take a chance. Because of Jeffs encouragement, I have grown as a player, student and individual. I also want to thank past and present WSU golf coaches who have had a positive impact on my life: Greg Stimpson, Dave Kearl and Craig Labrum. I am grateful for their friendship and support. Thanks to the WSU Athletic Department's coaches and staff. What an outstanding group of people who put in countless hours to better the lives of all student athletes! I also want to thank WSU's Sales and Service Technology Department. One will never meet a group of professors so passionate about their teaching and who care more for their students than these professionals. Sincere thanks to the community and surrounding golf courses. As a golf team, we have received so much support from you and are indeed grateful for all that you have done for us. Next, my teammates, past and present. Words cannot describe the impact each of them had on my life. We failed together and achieved great things together, and through it all we remained unified. They will always be my teammates and friends. Finally, to my family and friends, thank you for supporting me. It is because of you that I have been able to follow my dreams. I could not have done it without your love and support. I can never thank you enough! Tenille Howe Ogden June 12, 2001 Retooled Howe ready to defend amateur tide By BRADY BINGHAM Standard-Examiner staff After winning the State Amateur championship, Tenille Howe was the beacon of women's golf in Utah a year ago. So what did the former Weber State University standout do to celebrate? S i x months later, she set off to Arizona and the Jim Flick golf school to completely revamp her swing. On Monday, Howe brings that new swing with her in defense of her Utah Women's State Amateur title. She tees off at 8 a.m. on the first tee at Oakridge Country Club in the tournament's opening group. "I'm really excited and can't wait to get started. I'm also a little nervous, but I Howe think that's natural," admitted Howe. "It still feels like a dream," she added, speaking of her victory last year at Logan Golf and Country Club. "It still doesn't feel like it ever happened." But Howe's aspirations for the future reach further than winning Utah's most coveted amateur prize. Howe would like to become a touring professional - hoping to qualify for next season's Future's Tour and then potentially for the LPGA Tour. To reach those lofty goals, Howe knew her game needed improvement. So it was off to Arizona to let former Weber State standout and nationally recognized instructor Mike Malaska tin-ker with her swing. "I was really impressed. It's the best experience I've had learning about the mechanics of the swing," said Howe, who has been playing competitive golf for just six years. "I wasn't sure what to expect going into a lesson of that caliber. But he really simplified things and gave me a lot of things to work on that helped me gain an understanding of my swing." Since her extensive set of lessons in December, however, Howe has struggled with her game. "I knew I had to go down before I could go forward and I was willing to make that sacrifice," Howe said. "Right now, when I hit one good, I hit it really good. Other times, I'm all over the place. "I just want to play the best I can this week and feel good about the way I play," she added. Among the favorites expected to compete with Howe for the State Am title include Annie Thurman, Sue Nyhus, Adrianne Olsen, Sally Bingham-Estepp, Rachel and Natalie Newren and Lachell Poffenberger. Women's State Am ? When: Monday-Wednesday. 54-hole tournament. 8 a.m. start each day ? Where: Oakridge Country Club ? Notes: Sue Nyhus and Lachelle Poffenberger go for their third title. July 29, 2001 117 |
