Get to know them- Kaytie Spangler

1. Why did you choose to come to Concordia University?


The golf program had what I was looking for: dedicated coaches, good work ethic, a family-like atmosphere, and a focus on faith.

2. What is your most memorable moment as a golfer here at CU?

When we won the NSIC Conference Championship by one stroke (over four rounds) during my sophomore year. I wasn’t playing great so I actually did more damage control than anything. But when it came down to it, every stroke counted: literally. Counting up the scores at the end of the tournament was really exciting.

3. Who is your mentor in the sport of golf?

It used to be John Kendall, now it’s Craig Waryan and Sheryl Maize.

4. Name a valuable lesson that you have learned from being a student-athlete?

Four years has taught me that I need to be myself on and off the course. The second I try to fit into someone else’s shoes, I start wondering why things aren’t working. Be yourself! It’s God’s gift to you!

5. What is your favorite golf course to play on and why?

TPC Sawgrass. Since I worked at the PGA Tour for a summer, it has sentimental meaning to me and I respect the course because of its tradition and fame.

6. What skill has been the most valuable to you both on the golf course and as a student?

“Never, never, never give up.” When you quit, you will fail 100% of the time. I would rather keep trying, fail 99% of the time, and know I gave it everything I had. No one can hang their head if they’ve done everything they can with all they have.

7. What skill have you improved on the most since the beginning of your athletic career here at Concordia University-St. Paul?

My attitude and mental toughness. This is something I’ve put a lot of focus on for the last three years and found, with hard work and perseverance, the high road.

8. What are your plans after you graduate?

I’m not prepared to answer this question yet. I’m looking for a job.

9. Aside from golfing, what are some of your other hobbies?

Running, basketball, sports in general, movies, music.

10. What do you like most about the sport of golf?

Personally I think golf is only sport that presents the successes and challenges of life in a real manner. You get good breaks, you get bad breaks. One moment you’re the best player on the course, the next you wonder if you forgot half of your clubs at home. I figure if I can get a good grasp on golf, life should be pretty easy.

11. Who would be in your “dream” foursome?

Gary Player, Camilo Villegas, and Kenny Perry because of their positive attitudes and hopeful outlooks on golf and life.

12. Who is the funniest Person on the Team and why:

Amanda Bearson (even though she graduated). She should really be doing stand-up comedy instead of going to law school. Not only does she have the best one-liners, but she remembers every stupid thing that anyone on the team says and repeats it at a later date.

13. Do you have any pre-match rituals?

Well I usually forget something at the hotel or at home. Other than that, I always pray.

14. What are some of your favorite artists on your IPOD?

Taylor Swift, Jeremy Camp, Corey Crowder, the Goo Goo Dolls, the Fray.

Get to know them- Nick Jarrett

1. Why did you choose to come to Concordia University?


I chose Concordia University because the coaching staff, the potential of the team, and the location of the school. By being a private Division II the middle of the Twin Cities the school can offer its students unique opportunities. The program has an extremely strong coaching staff and it has shown in the growth of both programs in the last few years.

2. What is your most memorable moment as a golfer here at CU?

My most memorable moment so far was going to the Regional tournament in California last year. We played against some of the best teams in the country on course that has hosted PGA tournaments. It showed us our team can compete and motivated us to work even harder this year.

3. Who is your mentor in the sport of golf?

Growing up I never had a mentor in golf but while at Concordia I have learned more about golf than I ever thought I’d know from our assistant coach Craig Waryan. He has more knowledge on every aspect of the game than anyone else I know. I always love asking him as many questions as I can and learning from him.

4. Name a valuable lesson that you have learned from being a student-athlete?

A valuable lesson I have learned from being a student-athlete is learning how to work with a variety of people to accomplish a common goal. Our team has a variety of individual personalities but we work together in order for our team to compete at the level we do.

5. What is your favorite golf course to play on and why?

My favorite golf course I have played has to be The Classic Club in Palm Desert, CA. We played this course last spring at the Regional Tournament and it required one to a variety of shots. It required a player to be creative but did not leave a lot of room for any miss-hit shots. It was also the best condition of any course I have ever played. I enjoyed the challenge and look forward to going back this year for our spring break trip.

6. What skill has been the most valuable to you both on the golf course and as a student?

The skill that has been the most valuable to me both on the golf course and as a student is having the ability to stay calm and collected in difficult situations. It has allowed me to stay calm and score well on the course even when I am having difficulties with my game. As a student-athlete I have been faced with many difficult weeks balancing schoolwork and golf but this skill has helped me succeed both on and off the course.

7. What skill have you improved on the most since the beginning of your athletic career here at Concordia University-St. Paul?

Since arriving at Concordia I have improved my consistency on the course. Each year I have become more consistent and I have felt I have learned more about my game and how to improve it each year.

8. What are your plans after you graduate?

After I graduate this spring I am planning on pursuing a career in coaching college golf. I have had a passion for coaching and want to continue it after college. I would like to find an assistant coaching job around the Twin Cities for next year. I also want to continue to play competitive golf and learn as much as I can about the game of golf.

9. Aside from golfing, what are some of your other hobbies?

When I am not golfing I enjoy playing a variety of other sports. I have always played many sports throughout my life and when I am not on the course I still enjoy playing other sports such as hockey and racquetball In the summer I like to spend time at my cabin.

10. What do you like most about the sport of golf?

What I like the most about golf is the mental side to the game. A player can have all the physical ability but without the mental ability they will not be able to compete. Golf requires one to think throughout an entire tournament and not only be the best player physically but mentally as well.

11. Who would be in your “dream” foursome?

The three others in my dream foursome would be Retief Goosen, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods. Each of these players has had success at the highest level and they each play golf in a different way.

12. Who is the funniest Person on the Team and why:

The funniest person on the team has to be Kyle Lewis. While Kyle does not always say the most on the team, he has the ability to make every person on the team laugh. Some of our best trips have been with him providing the musical entertainment during the van rides.

13. Do you have any pre-match rituals?

Before a match all I do is try to relax and loosen up. I make sure I feel confident in my game and am confident in the game plan I have for the day. When I step up on the first tee I want to know exactly how I am going to play the course that day and know I am going to play well.

14. What are some of your favorite artists on your IPOD?

Some of my favorite artists on my iPod are Switchfoot, Matthew West, and 30 Second to Mars.