Western graduate Sean Packer added another achievement to his trophy case as he was awarded a Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar for the second time.
Packer, Western’s male athlete of the year, placed third in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships last spring. His placing, the second highest in school history, helped the men’s golf team place 8th nationally.
Packer was one of 26 Division II recipients of the award, said Steve Card, Western’s men’s golf head coach.
Sean Paker putts for par on the final hole of the tournament. Photo courtesy of Allison Gillette
The Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) chose the recipients of the award.
To be eligible for the award, a junior or senior athlete must maintain a grade point average of 3.2 or better, have a stroke average of less than 78 and play in at least 70 percent of the varsity competitions.
Packer graduated with a grade point average of 3.42, had a stroke average of 72.82 and played in all the varsity matches, Card said.
"He played every day whether he wanted to or not," Card said. "I didn’t have to worry if he was going to get his time in on the golf course."
Packer was a great student, golfer and role model for the younger players, Card said.
"With golf and school, the results you get are from what you put into it," Packer said.
Packer said he has been golfing since he was five years old.
"My dad would play and I’d follow him out to the course," Packer said. "When I was a little kid I thought I was good at golf, and I stuck with it ever since."
Sean’s father Paul Packer said he took his son to a golfing clinic when he was six years old.
"He’s a perfectionist," Paul Packer said. "He wanted to excel in school and excel in golf. He managed to blend the two together, which is difficult for student-athletes."
Packer said he looked up to the older teammates he had when he was a freshman and sophomore, and individuals like Card helped him significantly along the way.
Senior golfer Jake Koppenberg, next year's team captain, said Packer is a focused, genuine and hard-working individual who was always upbeat and had everyone in a good mood.
"There are some big shoes to fill," Koppenberg said.
Only registered users can post comments.
Please login or register.
Be first to comment on this article
