ABILENE, Texas -- Abilene Christian Athletics and its golf program Friday honor its 2020 Senior Class composed of
Jack Connor,
Bryce Dooley and
Bill Ramage.
Dooley, who earlier this week was named to his third Southland Conference All-Academic Team, was a 2019 Southland honorable mention performer and will once again be tabbed to the Southland's Commissioner's Honor Roll. Connor and Ramage also are Honor Roll recipients.
Dooley competed at 10 tournaments through each of his first three seasons, but by far was off to his best start this season as he averaged 71.67 shots per round and carded a career low round of 66 at the La Tour Intercollegiate. He then recorded his best career finish at his 100th and last collegiate tournament, tying for seventh (even par 216) out of 74 competitors at the Colin Montgomerie Invitational.
A year earlier he recorded one of the Wildcats' lowest totals on a 54-hole course, carding an 8-under 208 at the Big Texan.
Capsules for each of the seniors are listed in alphabetical order, and include comments from head coach
Tom Shaw.
Southlake, Texas / Marketing
Most Memorable Moment
This entire chapter of my life has been memorable. Being a Wildcat teaches you to hold yourself to a high standard in practice, competition, the classroom, and your social life. These are lessons that can't be taught anywhere else and I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to call myself a Wildcat.
Best Advice
Don't take any moment for granted. Embrace every second you get to spend with your coaches and teammates. Whether you're in the weight room, receiving punishment, at practice, or in study hall, embrace it. One day you will wake up and it will all be over.
Coach Shaw's Comments
"Jack was part of my first recruiting class and I brought him on board to not only to help our team with his athletic skills but also for his leadership qualities, as he was team captain of a Texas state championship high school team. Jack did not disappoint, serving the team in various ways, most notably being a leader in the weight room where his high-level work ethic and intensity set the tone for others. He has been an inspiration for many of our players and provided a great example of what you can achieve when you set your mind to a goal."
Friendswood, Texas / Financial Management
Most Memorable Moment
It's either the Byron Nelson Clubhouse opening or the 44 under team win in Louisiana. It felt like we were all on autopilot that week.
Best Advice
Get busy. Nobody learned how to drive from the back seat.
Coach Shaw's Comments
"Bryce will go down as one of the most successful student-athletes to ever don the purple and white for ACU. He is a multiple All-Conference selection and two-time GCAA All-Scholar. Bryce makes golf look easy - he is widely regarded as having one of the best golf swings in the nation. This year he achieved one of the lowest stroke averages in school history - 71.67 and was playing his best golf when our season was cut short. Bryce was not the most vocal leader, instead leading by example - on the course, in the classroom, and in the weight room. He was a selfless teammate and always willing to do what was necessary to benefit ACU Golf. We will miss his presence greatly."
Farmers Branch, Texas / Accounting
Most Memorable Moment
Winning the La Tour Intercollegiate, setting the team record at 44-under par,
Alex Clouse taking home the individual title at 14-under par, and the grand opening of the Byron Nelson Clubhouse during that same week is something that will stay with me the rest of my life. It was truly a historic week not only for ACU Golf, but also for the university and athletic department. It was an incredible way to honor the legacy of Bryon Nelson. I am very grateful and humbled to have experienced this monumental week.
Best Advice
The next four year are incredibly important to set yourself up for future success in life. Wherever this path may take you, do not skip arm day.
Coach Shaw's Comments
"Bill has always been one of our most enthusiastic team members. He never backs down from a challenge and is always the first in line to do anything that is asked of him. I'm also appreciative that if anything needs to be done as a group, such as service projects or team meetings, Bill is always 'loud and proud.' He really has a knack for rallying the guys to a cause and making sure whatever we are doing, we are doing it with enthusiasm. Every team needs a
Bill Ramage-type and he played an important role on our team in the last four years."
