My Senior year. It was one last go around to represent my school and do what I love. As everyone knows, about 3 weeks ago, the NCAA canceled all sports and Wesleyan turned to virtual learning, ultimately ending any plans that I had. However, as I've had time to reflect, I can now sense some appreciation for my senior season.

When I came to Wesleyan, I had no clue if I'd even like it to be honest. But looking back, I can say that God had a plan and I'm so glad he steered me this way. The coach at the time told me he was trying to build the program starting with myself and my recruiting class. I can honestly say that I went here because of Bart Darrell. That man changed the parallel of my life by bringing me to Wesleyan.

As someone who was very introverted as a freshman in college (hard to believe I know) I can say that I grew from someone who didn't believe in himself at all as a golfer, to someone who became one of the most competitive golfers you'll ever meet. This is because of my brother Keith. He was my idol growing up and is the whole reason I even wanted to be a college golfer. Thanks so much for believing in me Keith. If you told me I could win putting with a shovel I'd do it!

After my freshman year, Athletic Director Rob Mallory hired Coach Ken Badylak. I never told Mr. Mallory this, but thank you so much for hiring coach!! He helped me as a golfer so much. I felt that helped my confidence as a golfer. Coach believed in me when I was even-par & when I was 5-over. It didn't matter to him, if you gave your all, that's all he cared about.

I can honestly say I wasn't sure after my freshman year if I'd continue to play golf, but the great team chemistry that was built during my sophomore year made me stay. I loved that team. Thank you so much Coach Badylak. You helped transcend my college golf experience these past 3 years and I can say that you've made my experience a great one.

Now, fast forward to this summer, I can honestly say that I worked harder than I ever have in my life on my golf game. I slumped hard my junior season. I was one of the best players in the region my sophomore year, then by the end of junior year, I was struggling to bust 75. My brother gave me the best advice he could have this summer, he told me (in a PG version) "You're not having any fun and you're miserable to play with. Quit taking this so seriously."

That was the turning point for me in the summer. I knew that NCAA Super Regionals where being hosted at The Pearl Club in Owensboro and I was not going to miss it. It didn't matter. I was simply going to will my way into that field and leave no doubt in the selection committees mind where they would have to pick me.

I've always told myself "If somebody beats me because they have more God given talent, that's fine. I can live with that. But I will not get beat because somebody is outworking me." Hitting balls in 100-degree heat, working from 6 am until 1 pm then playing golf from 1:30 until after the sun set, I wouldn't trade the grind for the world. I loved it. I expected the season to end with either myself or my team being in the field at Super Regionals in May. By some shape, form, or fashion, I was going to be in that field.

As I close in on about 3 weeks since the team received the news, I feel that I am beginning to get some sort of closure on my senior season. Although things did not end the way I had hoped, I feel a strong sense of appreciation. I feel appreciative for the people I met and the avenues that golf allowed me to travel. What better way to travel the country than doing what you love?

I met literally the best people I have ever met because I chose to play golf at Wesleyan. Not only at tournaments, but here on campus. How many collegiate athletes are more than acquaintances with their Athletic Director, Director of Athletic Communications, Dean of Students, etc.? How many college Presidents come watch their golf teams at tournaments?

I can answer that, I have never seen it at any other place other than Kentucky Wesleyan. It is a special place simply because the people around you are invested in you as a person. I love this place and I will miss it, but I have closure simply because I know that I have been prepared for all facets in my life.

If I could give any advice to a college golfer, don't worry about what you shoot. Just do the best you can. Because at the end of the day, I couldn't tell you what I shot off the top of my head in about any tournament round. But, I could tell you a hundred stories from the golf van or the hotel. I could tell you about the great people I met playing this game, and I could tell you how much fun I had. Because I had the best time of my life at KDUB!
 

Christian Tooley
Kentucky Wesleyan Men's Golf