Jackson talks men’s golf, having fun and leaving his mark

Blake Jackson hopes to leave his mark during his last semester on the men’s golf team. (Photo from snuathletics.com)

By Kendra Nixon, Content editor

As the spring semester begins, the SNU men’s golf team has been required to adapt to some changes. Despite the adjustments, they continue to press on without looking back. They recently had their first tournament of the semester and hope to keep improving.

Senior Blake Jackson shot a 648 taking 13th overall and took 13th as a team. Jackson is currently closing out his last collegiate season, but he does not plan to go out quietly.

“Since this is my last season to get a chance to play for SNU, I really want to try and leave my mark on the program that has given me so much opportunity,” Jackson said. “I would really like to validate all of the hard work and time that I have put in and that others have invested in me, like my coaches Steve Hulsey and Derrick Taylor, with a win.”

The team’s next tournament is March 11th and 12th in Danville, Arkansas.

“Our team has some potential to do some pretty good things this spring as well. There is some fresh talent in the freshmen and the upperclassmen that have been here are still solid from the last few years,” Jackson said. “I’m really excited for this team in the upcoming years.”

Out of the four upcoming tournaments, three are in Arkansas and only one is in Oklahoma. After all of the traveling the team is required to do, a tournament in Oklahoma City will be a nice break.

“It is always fun to play in OKC and have people come out and support us, which is something that we don’t get too much opportunity to do in golf,” Jackson said. “Seeing our friends and professors come to the course to cheer us on makes it all the more fun and has really meant a lot to me the last four years.”

As a senior, Jackson plans to stay focused finish strong. However, he’s not forgetting to have a good time his last semester on the course.

“This is a semester for me to enjoy. As my career comes to a close I want to make sure that I enjoy the experiences that I have left in college golf,” Jackson said.

“I still stay devoted and committed to the process of practice and preparation for tournaments, but you have to have some fun while you do it. Having fun isn’t too hard when you have as great of a team around you like we have. I love these guys.”

As Jackson finishes of his career and the rest of the team begins their tournaments for the spring semester, interested individuals can follow their progress on http://www.snuathletics.com. The team will play a local tournament in Oklahoma City at Gaillardia Country Club on Tuesday, April 2nd and Wednesday, April 3rd.