{"id":54331,"date":"2023-09-25T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-25T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/?p=54331"},"modified":"2023-09-25T12:25:08","modified_gmt":"2023-09-25T16:25:08","slug":"emu-disc-golfers-find-their-roar-at-2023-national-championship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2023\/emu-disc-golfers-find-their-roar-at-2023-national-championship\/","title":{"rendered":"EMU disc golfers find their roar at 2023 National Championship"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Returning to a scenic and challenging stage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 12 members of EMU\u2019s disc golf team were among more than 700 students from 80 universities across the country who traveled to Marion, North Carolina, for the 2023 College Disc Golf National Championship featuring four days (April 5-8) of team and individual competition at North Cove Leisure Club.<br \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105013\/nationals_large_group.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105013\/nationals_large_group.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105013\/nationals_large_group-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105013\/nationals_large_group-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Out of the students and universities who attended nationals, most were from NCAA DI institutions. Courtesy photo.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s the third time EMU has participated in the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA)-sanctioned annual tournament\u2014and the third time since 2021 that nationals have been held at North Cove, an outdoor recreation and events center about an hour from Asheville that boasts three championship 18-hole disc golf courses of varying lengths, elevations, and difficulties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nestled between the Linville Gorge and Pisgah National Forest, the courses play back and forth across the Catawba River and feature stunning mountain views; open meadows; wooded holes with trees; and impressive boulder, rock and stone formations. \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful, and the fact that the river comes into play on a lot of holes is both scenic and adds challenge,\u201d said coach <strong>Trevor Oyer \u201819<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Building a program<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Oyer got \u201cobsessed with disc golf\u201d as a sophomore at Hesston College where he even helped to design and install a 9-hole disc golf course. Oyer transferred to EMU as a junior and a year later decided he wanted to play college disc golf. He gained the support of former EMU Athletics Director <strong>Dave King<\/strong> and in the fall of 2019 started a disc golf team that included his brother <strong>Jared Oyer \u201821<\/strong> and <strong>Silas Driver \u201819, <\/strong>both of whom began playing disc golf at Hesston, and <strong>Cameron Byer \u201821.<\/strong><strong><br \/><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105106\/emu_first_four_disc_golfers-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105106\/emu_first_four_disc_golfers-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105106\/emu_first_four_disc_golfers-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105106\/emu_first_four_disc_golfers-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105106\/emu_first_four_disc_golfers-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105106\/emu_first_four_disc_golfers-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>From left: Cameron Byer \u201821, Trevor Oyer \u201819, Jared Oyer \u201821 and Silas Driver \u201819\u2014the EMU disc golf team\u2019s first golfers\u2014celebrate their 2020 national bid. Photo by Rachel Holderman.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The four EMU disc golfers competed in their first tournament that November at Liberty University where they missed a bid to nationals by one stroke. They went on to earn a bid in February 2020 at their own tournament, the EMU Royals Qualifier, held at Westover Park Disc Golf Course in Harrisonburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>COVID canceled the 2020 National Championship, but it did extend Oyer\u2019s eligibility, allowing him to compete during the 2020-2021 disc golf season and at the 2021 National Championship; the PDGA typically awards bids to nationals through rankings, invitations, and qualifying events throughout a season, but decided any team who registered on time could play at North Cove in 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>EMU sent six men to nationals that year, including Oyer, his brother, and Byer. \u201cIt was a great time,\u201d shared Oyer, who placed 12th out of 42 doubles teams in the DII division along with Byer; the doubles team of Jared Oyer and <strong>Zach Bauman \u201823<\/strong> finished 22nd in the DII division. (DI, DII and DIII disc golf divisions correlate to top, middle and bottom, respectively, and not NCAA Divisions I, II and III.)<br \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105019\/oyer_coach-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54335\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105019\/oyer_coach-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105019\/oyer_coach-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105019\/oyer_coach-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105019\/oyer_coach-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105019\/oyer_coach-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Trevor Oyer has designed and installed several disc golf courses, including the Nathan Longenecker Memorial Disc Golf Course on EMU Hill. Photo by Derrick Chirinos.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Oyer\u2019s eligibility expired after the 2021 National Championship, and he transitioned from player to head coach of EMU\u2019s disc golf team for the 2021-2022 season because he wanted \u201cto help continue to grow the program.\u201d \u201cI knew how helpful it could be to have someone assist behind the scenes with logistics\u2026 and coach players.\u201d Bauman was one of eight players (two teams of four) representing EMU at North Cove for the 2022 National Championship. His team of <strong>Joe Seitz \u201822,<\/strong> <strong>Sean McClary<\/strong> and <strong>Noah Swartzentruber<\/strong> encountered \u201cweather in the \u201870s, rain and then snow\u201d to tie for 18th out of 71 teams in the DII division, said Bauman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Rising to the occasion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While it didn\u2019t snow at nationals in 2023, disc golfers did have to contend with three days of cold, windy and rainy weather. \u201cWhen it\u2019s slippery, your footing is affected and you can\u2019t throw as hard because you don\u2019t have as good of a grip on your disc,\u201d revealed Bauman. \u201cYou have to tone it down and go for simpler shots.\u201d Bauman says he has learned to travel with towels and an umbrella when coming to North Cove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>EMU performed well at Liberty University\u2019s Regional Qualifier in March, picking up a bid and punching its ticket to the 2023 National Championship. \u201cI look forward to nationals all year,\u201d said McClary. \u201cIt\u2019s fun to see all the people we compete against during the season in one place as well as see teams we play less often or may not play against at all,\u201d added Swartzentruber. According to Bauman, \u201cIt\u2019s fun to spread where you\u2019re from, talk to people, and play with hundreds of other college students who are passionate about disc golf.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>McClary, Swartzentruber and Bauman\u2014along with <strong>Ethan Spicher \u201823<\/strong>\u2014made up the Men\u2019s A Team, one of the two men\u2019s teams (two teams of four) and two women\u2019s teams (two teams of two) from EMU to compete at nationals. The Men\u2019s A Team placed 4th out of 51 DII teams while Bauman and McClary finished 13th and 22nd, respectively, out of 201 individual DII competitors. The Men\u2019s B Team of <strong>Seth Andreas \u201823,<\/strong> <strong>Will Bartel, Aaron Moyer<\/strong> and <strong>Caleb Oesch \u201823<\/strong> placed 21st out of 42 teams in the DIII division. Out of 28 teams, the Women\u2019s A Team of <strong>Rebekah Amstutz \u201923<\/strong> and <strong>Lindsey White \u201823<\/strong> placed 9th while the Women\u2019s B Team of <strong>Kara Kornhaus<\/strong> and <strong>Maddie LaFlamme<\/strong> finished 26th; White placed 13th in the nation (out of 59 individual competitors).<br \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105028\/white_bauman-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105028\/white_bauman-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105028\/white_bauman-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105028\/white_bauman-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105028\/white_bauman-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105028\/white_bauman-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Lindsey White and Zach Bauman both finished 13th in their individual rounds: White 13th in the nation and Bauman 13th in the men\u2019s DII division. Photo by Trevor Oyer.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s surprising,\u201d White said of her results. \u201cIt\u2019s only the second tournament I\u2019ve played in.\u201d Amstutz, her doubles partner, had reached out to Oyer over the summer about starting a women\u2019s team and then \u201croped in\u201d her friends Kornhaus and LaFlamme to join. The three women played in one fall tournament. White joined the team in January\u2014three months prior to the EMU women\u2019s team competing for the first time on college disc golf\u2019s national stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLindsay played smart and strategically,\u201d said Oyer of White\u2019s individual round. \u201cFor Holes 1-17, she only had single bogeys, pars or birdies.\u201d Disc golf is scored like golf where players can earn an eagle, birdie, par, bogey, double bogey, or triple bogey; they must keep each shot inbounds\u2014avoiding water and trees\u2014or incur a penalty stroke. It\u2019s different from golf in that players aim to throw a disc into a basket each hole in the fewest number of shots possible; they tee off from a tee pad, typically with a driver disc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105047\/white_putt-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105047\/white_putt-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105047\/white_putt-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105047\/white_putt-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105047\/white_putt-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105047\/white_putt-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Lindsey White attempts to sink a putt at nationals. Photo by Will Bartel.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to a driver, there are also mid-range and putter discs. Drivers are for longer distances, mid-range for middle distances, and putters for shorter distances. Each disc has a number on it, which represent speed, slide, turn, and fade. Oyer says beginners only need one disc and that college players often carry up to 20 discs in their bag, but rely on those they are most confident in when it comes to crunch time. In addition, as players improve, they may opt to use new discs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI throw three discs,\u201d said White. \u201cI have to be intentional about the shot I\u2019m taking, the disc I\u2019m throwing, and how I\u2019m going to throw it.\u201d White generally throws backhand while McClary usually throws forehand. Several other throwing styles exist, including overhand; players often have a preferred style but adjust as needed depending on the shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105003\/mccrady_forehand-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54332\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105003\/mccrady_forehand-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105003\/mccrady_forehand-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105003\/mccrady_forehand-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105003\/mccrady_forehand-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105003\/mccrady_forehand-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Sean McClary tees off with his forehand. Photo by Will Bartel.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>EMU disc golfers played one individual round and three team rounds at North Cove. The women\u2019s team rounds were played as regular doubles; both women teed off at each hole, decided which shot they liked better, and then both threw again on each subsequent shot. The individual women\u2019s scores were added together and divided by two to come up with a team score for the round. The men\u2019s team rounds were played as team doubles; two men teed off, decided which shot they liked better, and then the other two men threw. The teams alternated until they finished the hole and also alternated tee-offs. The individual men\u2019s scores were added together and divided by four to come up with a team score for the round.<br \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"698\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105122\/bauman-1024x698.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54341\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105122\/bauman-1024x698.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105122\/bauman-300x204.jpg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105122\/bauman-768x523.jpg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105122\/bauman-1536x1047.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105122\/bauman-2048x1396.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Zach Bauman takes a shot in a team round against The University of Kansas. \u201cAt the end of the day, I have a sport I can keep playing,\u201d said Bauman. Photo by Larry Bartel.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Men\u2019s B Team, Women\u2019s A Team, and Women\u2019s B Team played their individual rounds and two team rounds on River Run, the simplest and shortest of the three courses with mainly par 3 holes, and also played one team round on Boulders, a longer and more challenging course. The Men\u2019s A Team played its individual round on River Run, one team round on Boulders and two team rounds on The Gorge, the longest and most difficult course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Appreciating disc golf and one another<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI just like throwing shots and watching them fly,\u201d said Swartzentruber. \u201cI also like meeting and getting to know the people I play with\u2026 It helps me relax because I feel like I\u2019m just playing the game versus competing against other people.\u201d McClary says he likes \u201cthe sound of a disc flying into the basket from however far away you are\u201d and that \u201cthe people are amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"807\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105113\/diag_team_airbnb-1024x807.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105113\/diag_team_airbnb-1024x807.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105113\/diag_team_airbnb-300x236.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105113\/diag_team_airbnb-768x605.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105113\/diag_team_airbnb-1536x1210.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105113\/diag_team_airbnb-2048x1614.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Out of the homes booked for nationals over the past three years, Oyer said, \u201cWe definitely liked this year\u2019s the best.\u201d Photo by Trevor Oyer.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The EMU team of 12 also enjoyed getting to know one another better by staying in a house Oyer booked about 10 minutes from North Cove. \u201cPlayers could come and go as needed for their rounds or support and watch other teams. The communal space also allowed us to share meals together and talk in the evenings about the rounds,\u201d said Oyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105056\/deck_team_airbnb-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105056\/deck_team_airbnb-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105056\/deck_team_airbnb-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105056\/deck_team_airbnb-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105056\/deck_team_airbnb-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/emu-wordpress-multisite-instance-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2023\/09\/25105056\/deck_team_airbnb-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Players enjoyed the scenery, conversations, and meals from their deck. Photo by Trevor Oyer.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI so deeply enjoyed being with the team and getting to know them while working on the mental and physical aspects of my game,\u201d shared White. \u201cI\u2019ve learned that no matter what happens, I just need to keep playing and look ahead.\u201d Amstutz added, \u201cI want to keep playing disc golf forever to try to get better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>This article was published in the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/crossroads\/\">Spring\/Summer 2023 Crossroads magazine<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Returning to a scenic and challenging stage The 12 members of EMU\u2019s disc golf team were among more than 700 students from 80 universities across the country who traveled to <a href=\"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2023\/emu-disc-golfers-find-their-roar-at-2023-national-championship\/\" target=\"_self\" class=\"more-link\">... read more <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">about EMU disc golfers find their roar at 2023 National Championship<\/span><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":292,"featured_media":54333,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4516,17562],"tags":[],"feature":[17427,17426,17241],"class_list":["post-54331","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-athletics","category-digest","feature-emu-home-page-feature","feature-myemu-feature","feature-news-feature"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.6 - 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