Allison Schultz: Bidding Farewell to the Rocket Family
With loads of anticipation and high expectations, the Rockets headed down to Longaberger Golf Club for the 2013 MAC Championships. After having arguably the best season in school history, we all had hopes and visions of us standing on the 18th green at Longaberger as MAC Champions for the first time. Considering the challenging golf course and brutal conditions on the final day, the Rockets had plenty to be proud of when heading back home on Sunday night. After being down to second-place Ball State by 18 shots after Round 2, we battled the driving rain for five hours in the final round and made a phenomenal comeback to finish tied for second place with Eastern Michigan. In addition to a fantastic finish, we also brought home the MAC Freshman of the Year trophy, 1st team and 2nd team All-MAC selections and an All-Tournament team selection. It was another amazing trip with my favorite people, and one that I will always be proud to have been a part of.
As I sit here in the van on the way back home for the last time, it's almost impossible for me to believe four years has already passed since I first arrived on campus. I remember going to watch the MAC tournament when I was a senior in high school and imagining what it would be like to compete in it. Now, I have competed and played a part in a runner-up finish, tying the team's highest finish in the 15-year history of the program. I would have never imagined I would become the kind of golfer and person that this program has molded me into. From winning championships to being named captain, this program has provided me with a multitude of memories and lessons that will have a lasting impression and impact on my life.
I have written several blogs over the years, and I always like to give a special shout-out to people that help us along the way. This time calls for a number of Thank-You's to those that have made a significant impact on my time here at Toledo. There is no way I could name everyone, so you all know who you are. Please know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have either done for me, helped me with, provided me with or taught me. I have learned to call Toledo "home" and for that I am so grateful. The atmosphere within the athletic department at UT is special. From the friendly greetings in the elevators to the widespread support of all sports, it is truly a Rocket Family.
I cannot say enough about the Women's Golf Team that I was fortunate to be a part of. Coach Hollingsworth has put together a group of girls from all over the world and made them into one of the best teams in the MAC. We are all different ages, from different cultures, and have different backgrounds, but the one thing that remains constant is our passion for the game of golf. We have also been able to grow into the closest team I have ever been a part of. As the only team that had every single team member present at Longaberger, people often refer to us as an "army," but we made it evident early on that we win as a team and we lose as a team. Factoring in a common goal and the family feeling we have created, when push comes to shove on the course, we all fight to make the great shot for one reason, our teammates. That right there is our secret to success.
Thank you for a great four years, Toledo. I have loved my time here and would not change it for anything. Rocket fans are the best!
Allison Schultz is a senior from Cincinnati, OH majoring in exercise science.
