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Show 12 The Thunderbird ' Monday May 20; 1985 Stuart Adams: a winner on and off of the course by Stewart Smith It looked like Stuart Adams was in trouble. He was in the fairway trap of a par 5 hole at the Bronco Invitational earlier this year in Boise. His playing partner had beat him the previous hole and was now almost gloating at Adams. Adams surveyed the large pond that menacingly threatened to swallow a short hit ball. The pin was casually placed on the lush green 200 yards away. Reaching for his he paused, psyching himself for the shot. "This is it, he told himself. This is the shot that is going to win the tournament. Convinced, Adams hit the ball hard, driving it, over the water and toward the pin. The ball came to rest a mere 15 feet from the pin. Adams was hot. In fact, he was red hot. The previous round the SUSC senior had fired a blistering 1 under par round of 61. He had only putt 21 times, a course record. An opponent, from the University of Utah, in praising Adams, granted him the respect worthy only to diety. And Thunderbird golf coach Tom Kingsford was equally amazed. I dont think Ill ever see that again. Thats the most memorable round of golf Ive ever seen, Kingsford said. For Kingsford, Adams has been somewhat of a godsend, a gift from heaven. Four years ago Adams came to SUSC from Vacaville, Calif., as a virtual unknown. Since his arrival Adams has scorched the golf courses along the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference numerous times. In his four years at SUSC he has earned no fewer than 35 trophies, honors and academic RMAC medalist three of the four years. Kingsford eagerly talks about his star pupil. The most enjoyable thing about Stuart is, of course, his four years in the program. Through that he has grown to become one of the best collegiate golfers in the state 1 of Utah. Adams, though, remains modest about his golf game. Even so, he knows how the game should be played. Ive learned that golf is a game where its more mental. You cant let things bother you while youre playing. The pressure is enormous on golfers. Unlike other sports, a golfer must battle a course, in addition to his opponents. Adams said the key point is that youre not out there playing the other guy but rather youre playing the course. Unlike in professional golf, a collegiate golfer is also playing for his school and his team. Scores are combined for a team total. Youd think Adams would feel Reynolds, Adams named pressure from his team members. Not so. The guys on the team are really good, weve got an awesome team this year. They really help me out, in fact, thats one of the main reasons why Im playing so good right now. The Thunderbird team took first place in the NAIA District 7 Tournament, earning the Birds the right to compete in the NAIA National Tournament May 27 through 31 in Phoenix, Ariz. Adams is confident that he, as well as his teammates, will do very well. Another of Adams main supporters is his wife, Regina, who he says is always there. Shes behind me all the way, Adams smiles. Next year theyll be moving to Oregon, T-Bi- rd Athletes of The Year Highlighting the McDonald's SUSC Athletic Awards fierce front lipe player. The SUSC golf team received numerous awards as Banquet was the Rons Sporting Goods Athletes of the Year awarded to top notch golfer Stuart Adams and Adams, Kris Abegglen, Jerry Ellefsen, Ken Meson and multi-spoathlete Jill Reynolds Wednesday night at Allen Orchard won the District 7 Golf Tournament SUSCs Great Hall. just 24 hours earlier. Juan Henderson was named the outstanding football Receiving the honor because of his outstanding member of the golf performances as a four-yea- r player of the 1984 season which was awarded by SUSC football coach Don Conrad. squad, Adams is leading his team to the NAIA National Tournament in Phoenix, Ar;z. In volleyball, Lisa Ballantyne and Reynolds were The senior golfer has received numerous medalist mentioned as being named to the RMAC First Team honors including the RMAC meadalist title three of and the First Team in District 7. the four years he has participated. Adams also shot a Jana Crawford, a senior from Sandy, was selected as the outstanding softball player for the 1985 season. blistering round of 61 at the Bronco Invitational. Annette Turley was voted the outstanding basketball Taking the top womens award, Reynolds is on her way to the NAIA track and field championships at player by her peers as she was named to the First Team. Hillsdale, Mich., next week. The sophomore from candidate Floyd Armstrong took top Salina, Utah, qualified for the national meet in the honors in baseball as the four-yea- r javelin and shot put events. Reynolds also played for starter led the the RMAC with a .441 batting average. volleyball team, gaining a reputation as a rt where Adams will enroll in Optometry School. Golf is a hard game to learn, Adams said. Youve got to have patience. Its frustrating at first but youve got to stay with it. Adams will no doubt have the same kind of attitude with him throughout his life. Ive got a lot of desire to be the best. The guy thats the hardest worker is the guy that is going to win. I dont say, itll come tomorrow, I just work harder. Youve got to work hard. Sure, hell get into the sand trap every now and then. He may even bogey once in a while, but Stuart Adams will always have that good attitude. Hell always find that confidence. Basketball coach Bob Schermerhorn presented the most outstanding player award to senior Derrick Johnson for his first and only season as a Thunderbird. basketball season finished with an 1 The overall record, which was highlited by winning the 3 win over Los Color Country Classic with a close Angeles State. Sophomore Jennifer Walke received the award for the gymnasts with her outstanding performances in the 18-1- 77-7- Track coach Ben Davidson presented awards for the cross country and track and field events. Tim Pilling, a transfer from College of Eastern Utah, was the outstanding cross country athlete. Davidson awarded the mens track award to the suprising Scott Anderson, who was the top runner of the year. Having the second fastest time in the marathon this year in the NAIA, Jolene Fisher was named the womens track and field most outstanding athlete. 800-met- |