The NSU men’s golf team has imprinted its name in the history books once again, securing its third national championship in the program’s history. Under the guidance of Coach Joseph Marino, the team demonstrated its unwavering determination and skills to achieve this accomplishment.
Marino attributed the team’s success not only to its own hard work and dedication, but also to the inspiration derived from witnessing other NSU teams’ triumphs.
“I think that this success kind of feeds off each other. I mean, once we’ve seen people have that kind of success during the year, it kind of makes you believe you can do it as well,” Marino said.
The day of the championship, the team advanced to the match play stage. The team realized it had the opportunity to win after winning its first two matches. Mike Hay, senior exercise and sports science major, sealed the deal with a crucial putt. The team’s emotions ran high, fueled by the realization that it was one of the best collegiate golf teams in the country.
“It felt incredible. In that moment, there’s a lot of emotion — of being a national champion and being in the best team in the country,” Marino said. “Really, it’s more of completing everything you’ve worked so hard for that year. That’s kind of the emotion that is behind it. You put so much time and effort to come out on top: It feels great.”
Hay, who contributed to the team’s success, described the experience of being part of the third national championship winning team as “surreal.”
“The fall season was OK. We struggled to click, all five of us. It was always maybe, two people play well off and then, in another tournament, other three people played well. But, to get to the final event, and have all five of us to play solid golf was strange because we hadn’t done it all year. So, it kind of took everyone by surprise,” Hay said.
During the national championship, Hay remained focused on his match, unaware of the performance of his teammates. As he concentrated on securing his point, he found out about the team’s lead only after completing his round.
Hay said their performance during the Florida Southern event marked a turning point. He described the fall season as “OK,” but when the team emerged victorious in the spring tournament, defeating its long-standing rival, Barry University, its triumph instilled a belief within the team that they could compete against any opponent.
As the NSU men’s golf team celebrates its historic third national championship, it believes that with hard work, trust and team effort, any goal can be achieved.
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