Throughout the fall portion of its schedule, the Towson men's golf team will have different players blogging throughout the year. Here's the first entry from senior Juan Veloza.
 
Thinking back to my first week as a college student-athlete, I remember how unprepared I was and how I often had to rely on my teammates. I didn't have any sheets, towels, or even hangers.  Thanks to my roommate Tyler Silberberg, I was able to get my One-Card, meal plan, and just a sense of where my classes where going to be. Let's not forget the countless rides he gave me to the golf course!

Today, I contrast that first week with my last. Certainly, I have fully adapted to college life and now I can say that I am glad I can help those freshmen on my team that may feel lost or without a north. Weather has been great, which means we, as a team, have been able to go out there and play as many rounds as possible. In fact, yesterday we started our first qualifier for the first tournament of the season, which will be held in South Kent, Connecticut. It's always great to see everybody back in action, committed to the team and its goals, and ready to shoot red numbers.

Throughout this week, I have been able to tell that this team is smaller than previous teams but, despite such, it bursts talent and can certainly make a difference throughout the year. We have two new players, one from Florida and the other from France, who have fit just fine with everybody on the team and have shown all of us that they are ready to proudly wear the Towson Men's Golf Team shirt. I am excited for a year that will bring memorable experiences not only to me and my fellow seniors, but also to our mentor and long-standing coach, Brian Yaniger. He will be retiring at the end of the academic year. I look forward to bringing joy and pride to him as well as my teammates as we get ready for a season that may be the first for some and the last for others, but also the finale for that special person, who has sacrificed so much of his life for the well-being of this team, Coach Yaniger.

Now, I can only say that this last first week was a total success, but as the end approaches, we, all, have to grab all of these last experiences and enjoy them as much as possible because this important part of our life is coming to an end.


The Tigers begin their season next weekend at the University of Hartford Invitational.