SEASIDE, Calif. – The No. 8 Cal State Monterey Bay men's golf team assisted in “College Day”, a free youth clinic hosted by The First Tee of Monterey County and the Golf Coaches Association of American (GCAA) at Twin Creeks Golf Course in Salinas on Saturday, Feb. 16.
 
The First Tee of the Monterey County is a non-profit organization teaches young people positive and effective life skills utilizing the game of golf. The Otters were able to share their knowledge of balancing the art of being a student-athlete with 65 youth between the ages of 7-17.
 
“This was a good event for everyone involved,” said CSUMB Director of Golf Jason Owen. “Any chance that you can meet and potentially influence young golfers is wonderful. Thank you to everyone for the opportunity.”
 
The three-hour clinic included player demonstration (long drive, trick shots, etc.), junior clinic with stations and a Q & A session.
 
“It was a pleasure to have some outstanding representatives from the golf team at CSUMB,” said Brian Thompson, Golf and Life Skills Coach at The First Tee. “Having them there was an outstanding opportunity for our kids to see get exposed to college golf.  Now they've seen it up close and in person, and have uncovered an opportunity they might not have thought about before. 
 
“As an alumnus, and former member of the golf team, it made me proud to be an Otter.”
 
Thompson was a member of the CSUMB men's golf team from 2003-2007.
 
“It was fun to be able to work one-on-one with the kids,” said senior Jered Stone. “It was also great to be able to share my experiences with the younger generation.”
 
The men's golf team begins their spring season Monday, Feb. 25 at the Cal State San Bernardino Coyote Intercollegiate.