ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: Stamberger shows dedication to studies and golf
In recognition of the commitment to excellence that athletes show, the Apache names an IVCC Athlete of the Month. Recipients are chosen by the Apache staff.
By Holli L. Rapp
What originally just started out as friends golfing, has been very rewarding for IVCC’s Athlete of the Month Brian Stamberger.
"A couple of friends got me hooked on it when we were in 8th grade and I was 13," said Stamberger. "It became addicting."
The sophomore from Mendota, has been golfing ever since. According to his current coach, Jim Moskalewicz, Stamberger has a shot at being named a junior college All-American in national competition in the spring.
Through 17 rounds of golf this season, Stamberger averaged a 76.4, two strokes down from last year.
"He became more consistent," Moskalewicz said. "Brian has definitely matured. He took a leadership role, remained focused and kept his teammates focused."
As the coach also pointed out, Stamberger is dedicated to golf and to his studies. He played the regional tournament with severely sprained fingers.
"He toughed it out," said Moskalewicz. "It shows his character and his determination."
Stamberger described the Region IV tourney in which he shot 155 as "definitely one of the hardest weeks of my life."
The Apaches took the championship which qualified them to compete in the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in the spring.
"Our first goal was to advance to Nationals, and now we are hoping to do well at Nationals," said Stamberger.
The Apache golfer is also committed to his studies. Moskalewicz described seeing Stamberger in the cafeteria every morning at 7 studying. "I wish everyone on the team had that dedication," the coach said.
After IVCC, Stamberger hopes to play golf at a university. Southern Illinois University has expressed an interest. "If they offer me something, probably SIU," said Stamberger about his plans. "I don’t want to go somewhere where I have to drive half of a day to get home."
Stamberger learned the game from his father, who also taught his younger brother Jason. He became a varsity letter winner his freshmen year at Mendota High School and was a constant for the four years he played for the Trojans.
"I might have improved gradually in mental aspect but physically remained the same," said Stamberger.
The past year has been a tough one for Stamberger, especially since he became a father on Oct. 12.
"Everything going on has really put golf in perspective for me," said the new father. "It’s a good feeling; it is amazing," he said about becoming a father.
The 6-foot 5-inch Stamberger also hopes to pass some of his golf skills on to his son, Blake.
"I’m going to get him started early, as soon as he starts walking," said "Stam", as his friends call him.
In his spare time, Stamberger likes to hang out with his friends, but acknowledges that becoming a father changes a lot for him because he will be staying home a lot.
A business major, he hopes to someday become a pro at a golf course but knows that whatever he chooses to do will involve golf.
"I don’t feel I’m really that dedicated to school, but really to golf," said Stamberger.