By Kohl Jackson
Bison athletics is back in action, including an OBU Women’s golf team ready to make deep runs in their tournaments this fall.
Junior OBU women’s golf leading scorer, Morgan Simmons agreed to be interviewed on behalf of her team to speak about her career and the season ahead.
Simmons estimated that she began her golf career near the age of seven and played multiple sports in high school, but devoted all her time to golf once she reached her sophomore year. She attended an all-girl high school in Tennessee where she would later co-captain in her senior year. While attending Hutchison School, she received recognition in the Memphis All-Metro team. During this time, she was influenced by her mother and coach to “be the best.”
“It was hard, but I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them,” she said.
She now enters her junior year at OBU after finishing her last season tying the school record for the best all-time finish in the GAC Championships.
“That tournament definitely taught me a lot about myself as a player and the things I need to work on. I did play really well and I think that going forward, I saw the potential that I have,” she said.
During her sophomore season at OBU, the women’s golf coach Mike Manlapig had to undergo open heart surgery, hindering his ability to travel to tournament play. Simmons recounted the support the team had from OBU during that experience.
“He wasn’t able to travel with us, but we had some of the faculty come and took us there. Made sure we got to where we needed to be.”
Although golf is widely recognized as an individual sport, golf at OBU exemplifies the importance of team bonding. Like other athletic endeavors on campus, teammates in golf practice together and spend time off the course as well. The women golfers practice on the range before every tournament and each of their performances determine the overall outcome of the team’s success. Despite her individual accolades, Simmons emphasized the importance of team success.
“You can do well as an individual, but you want to win as a team,” she said.
Simmons believes that the team she is competing with this season displays talent and has hope for a successful year.
“I think this year is probably our best year team-wise. The girls that we have, have the potential to be really good,” said Simmons.
Faith integration is also a significant aspect of OBU athletics and one that draws in athletes from all over the country. Simmons explained how her personal faith has helped her through her college journey.
“I think the biggest think that helps me on and off the golf course is staying in the Bible and really trying to integrate my faith into everything. Especially golf because of the nerves. But even on exams, I struggle with the same thing.”
Simmons spoke on behalf of her team by saying that their goal this season is to “do as well as possible.” She also stated that she personally would like to go to nationals with her teammates.
While she is off the course this semester, she plans on spending the rest of her time with her teammates and studying.
“It is a challenge for sure but the professors here are very understanding and that’s a good part of going to a Christian school. They are all very kind and want the best for you.”
According to obubison.com the women’s team travels to Tulsa, Oklahoma on September 8th through the 9th for the upcoming Annual NSU Classic. Their next tournament will be held at UCO in Edmond from October 6th through 7th.
