The Oregon men’s golf team has youth on its side. The team – five freshmen, four sophomores and a redshirt senior – recently won the Western Intercollegiate tournament in Santa Cruz, Calif., with freshman Andrew Vijarro leading the way. Vijarro shot a 4-over 214 to finish tied for fourth-place overall, marking the third straight tournament in which he has posted a career-best finish. That being said, Vijarro was selected as the Daily Emerald’s Athlete of the Week, and put him through a short Q&A.
Oregon Daily Emerald: How long have you been golfing?
Andrew Vijarro: I started golfing when I was about 4 years old, but really started competing in competitions when I was around 9.
ODE: What/who got you into it?
AV: My dad was the one who really started me in golf. We would go to the driving range and if I could hit the 100-yard sign he would buy me ice cream. This really sparked my interest in golf and competition.
ODE: Did you play any other sports in high school?
AV: In high school I didn’t play any other sports for the school, although I did compete in freestyle skiing and love to fly fish.
ODE: What made you decide to come to the University of Oregon?
AV: The coach had a huge impact for me to come to Oregon. It would have been hard to pass up the opportunity for me to play for Casey Martin.
ODE: What’s your schedule like this term?
AV: This term I am taking Math 243 (stats), Business 101 and Astronomy 122.
ODE: Are you still looking to be a business major?
AV: Yes, that is my main goal. I have realized it is going to be hard with all the math and tough courses you have to take, but I am just going with it and seeing where it takes me.
ODE: What do you plan on doing with that after college?
AV: After school I plan on trying to make it as a professional golfer. It will be very hard but if I continue to get better, I hope to make that dream come true. Also, I would love to own my own business.
ODE: What are your top 5 favorite movies?
AV: Legend of Bagger Vance, The Greatest Game Ever Played, Superbad, Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down.
ODE: What are you listening to nowadays?
AV: I’m a huge Dave Matthews fan! Also love country. Anything country I pretty much listen to.
ODE: Any specific pre-game rituals you and the team have going?
AV: Music. I love to listen to music before a round; it seems to get me ready mentally for the day.
ODE: Last but not least, LeBron, Kobe or D-Wade for MVP?
AV: Kobe. The guy is a superstar.
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Athlete of the Week
Daily Emerald
April 8, 2009
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