Welcome back Royal sports fans to this week’s edition of Royal Talk, our Q&A with a Warner student-athlete. This week we sat down with Matthew Alwin, a junior on our men’s golf team led by Shane Ward. The Belleair, Fla. native has been a part of the Warner golf program for three years and is considered one of the team leaders on the squad. Here is more of his interview:
1) This is your third year at Warner as a golfer, how has the program changed or improved if at all?
Since I’ve been on the golf team, the program has had it’s share of changes, and mostly for the better. Although the abrupt coaching changes have been hard on the team, there is great chemistry with the players and coaches and we will be a national contender in the future.
2) How have you adjusted to Coach Ward’s teaching methods now that this is your second year with him?
I’ve known Shane for a while, since we are from the same town. Shane has always been a great mentor and teacher for the entire team. I’m sure the other players could attest to that as well.
3) How has your game grown or changed since your freshman year on the team?
Since freshman year, my game has gotten a lot better. I am able to practice and play on a flexible schedule that includes school and work. It’s been a real privilege to be part of such a great group of guys.
4) Have there been any funny moments for you?
Freshman and sophomore year trips in the RV were probably the funniest. Crashing into the guard shack at the army base in Savannah would have to top the list.
5) You have one of the longest tenures on the team, how does it feel to be looked as a team leader?
It feels great to know that I have the ability to lead such a great team, and I’m looking forward to next year with the new recruits coming in to let them know what to expect with the program and the school itself.
6) How would you describe your athletic experience here at Warner?
Overall, I’ve had a great time being a part of the golf team at Warner. It’s really given me the opportunity to go a lot of places and meet a lot of people that I otherwise wouldn’t have if I would have chosen not to play college golf.
7) What are you taking with you from your golf experience at Warner?
When I leave Warner, I will keep in close contact with the teammates that I have now. Another thing I will take away is just the feeling knowing that I had the chance to play competitive collegiate golf, which most high school players only dream about.
8) If you could do it over again, what would you do different as a freshman entering college and playing a sport?
As a freshman entering college, especially first semester, it is most important to focus more on academics than athletics. An athlete will have four years to prove themselves in a particular sport, but it only takes one semester of bad grades to mess up aspirations of an entire year.
9) If you could make changes to do the men’s golf program, what would they be?
If I were to make any changes to the program, I would have less players with a better playing ability and a bigger recruiting class from the US (not bashing any of the foreigners) J
10) What’s your most memorable moment so far?
Shooting 66 at Lake Wales Country Club freshman year, we ended up getting 2nd in the tournament and moved up to 12th in the nation after that event. By far the best overall team performance I’ve ever been a part of.