Schoonmaker Hitting His Stride

by Alan Hieber

The Wright State golf team is averaging higher team finishes through the first four spring tournaments than last season. Junior Austin Schoonmaker from Springboro has been one of the Raiders lighting it up on the course so far.

Schoonmaker has been nothing shy of consistent on the links, averaging a score of 73.3 and recording three finishes in the top 15 three times during spring tournaments. His low round was a 67 at the Bobby Nichols Invitational in Sevierville, Tenn. last month.

"I started out this spring and struggled a little in the first tournament. But I'd like to say I'm trending in the right direction," Schoonmaker said. "I've had some good under par rounds in the last two tournaments.

"This offseason I was really working on the short game. My putting has been pretty solid this spring compared to last fall," Schoonmaker said. "Off the tee my balls have been improving, and I've been hitting more fairways. I think those two things have allowed me to play better."

With a master's degree in sports and exercise psychology, WSU head coach Brian Arlinghaus has utilized his knowledge of mental strategies used in golfing such as visiualization of shots.

"We're all very talented, but what he (Arlinghaus) brings is the mental approach that a lot of coaches don't have. On the course, he can push our buttons to get us thinking in the right ways," Schoonmaker said. "I just try to control what I can, make sure that I'm committed to each shot and have fun. That's a big thing because if you're not having fun, you're not going to play well."

Schoonmaker's long frame in addition to his mental approach gives him an edge, according to Arlinghaus.

"Austin is a very long player, and that allows him to hit shorter irons into par 4s and have a chance to get on or near most of the par 5s in two," Arlinghaus said. "Mentally Austin prepares for rounds as well as anyone I've ever coached. He's got a game plan when we get to the course for the practice round, and he is very good about sticking to it."

He also lauded his work ethic and is impressed by the respect others have for him.

"Austin is one of, if not the hardest worker on the team. His work ethic is second to none and he is always looking for a way to get better," Arlinghaus said. "He's also a respected teammate, and every time we are at Heatherwoode practicing I'm blown away at how many people seek him out to chat with him. He's truly a joy to be around and coach, and Wright State is lucky to have Austin Schoonmaker wear our colors and logo."

Off the course Schoonmaker studies finance and made the Horizon League academic honor roll last semester that requires a GPA of at least 3.2.

"It is really difficult to be a Division I college athlete, and he's (Schoonmaker) got the best time management of anyone I've ever coached," Arlinghaus said. "That skill is what allows him to be so successful in the classroom and on the course."

Schoonmaker would like to enter the real estate field once he graduates. During the final stretches of the season he will hope to get a lot of that off his drives and iron shots.

The Raiders will be swinging away once again this weekend at the team's home invitational held at Heatherwoode Golf Club in Springboro Sunday and Monday.

Players Mentioned

Austin Schoonmaker

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