Team’s lone senior takes a swing at golf, teaching

Sharing the load is always nice, but for Nicole Tslutos, senior of Hay Springs, it isn’t an option. She is the only senior on Chadron State College’s golf team. Being the main leader for her fellow teammates while trying to stay focused academically can be a bit much at times, but Tslutos enjoys it.

“It’s fun to have gone through what the other girls are going through right now and be here to guide them if they need it,” Tsultos said.

This year, CSC’s golf team is made up of seven freshmen, one junior, Emilee Pilkington of Scottsbluff, and then Tslutos. Last spring season, the Eagles came in last place at the RMAC championship. They were not discouraged and thought they still golfed well despite the results. This season, however, they are looking to do better despite the young team they have.

“I do think we will be better than we have been recently,” Tslutos said.

Q: How did you first get interested in golf?

A: It is a family thing. My dad is always on the green and he introduced me to the game. After that I made it a priority.

Q: Were you intimidated when you first started collegiate golf?

A: I was very scared. I’m pretty shy and I saw how far the other girls could hit their drivers; it was very intimidating. My high school did not have a golf team, so I had not played competitively as much as the other girls.

Q: Why did you choose to attend Chadron State College?

A: I originally came for the teaching program because my major is elementary education. I also came because it is close to home, golf happened to fall into place.

Q: How do you feel about the majority of the team being freshman?

A: At first I was nervous, but the girls are ready to compete. We just need to stay focused because they came here for the college experience as well, and it’s easy to get distracted. We all get busy so we need to work on time management this season.

Q: Do you feel like you have a lot of responsibility being the only senior on the team?

A: Yes, I feel like I need to teach the team how to respect the game and other players as that is an important part of the game. I also want to show how to handle the pressure and set a good example.

Q: How do you get along with your coach?

A: We have a very strong relationship. She is a friendly mom-like figure for the new girls and I think this helps them out in their first year. She is also a very competitive player on the course, so that keeps us in the game as well.

Q: Do you see yourself staying in the game after graduation?

A: I want to because I really like the sport. I hope to compete in summer tournaments around the area, and play for fun as well.

Tslutos and the rest of the Eagle golf team captured eighth place out of nine teams last weekend at the Grizzly Invitational in Alamosa, Colo.

“It was a good first meet to get all the nerves out, but I expect better scores will come in the future meets,” Tslutos said.

They travel to Lakewood, Colo., for the Regis University Meet on Monday.