SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. - "It's pretty cool having your name on top of the leaderboard all week and knowing that if you can put a really good round in, anything can happen."

Those words from Mohawk College golfer Nic Francis after he captured the men's bronze medal at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association Golf Championships in Sault Ste. Marie, Oct. 2-4.

The final round of the 54 hole event, at Crimson Ridge Golf Course, was a difficult one for all the players, because of the conditions and scores reflected this. "The third round played tough," said Francis. "The winds changed 180 degrees which really throws off your game plan. The clubs you have been hitting off tees change completely and it becomes a whole new golf course that you're not familiar with."

Francis, a graduate of Dundas Valley Secondary School, started the final day tied for second place and had to battle to get his medal, not to mention a berth in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association championships being hosted by Durham College Oct. 16-20.

"It's awesome. It will be a blast going to nationals and representing Mohawk - a change from some of the powerhouse schools that have been dominating college golf for the past couple of years," noted Francis.

But while he looks forward to the Canadian Championships, he will miss his teammates. "It's great having four other guys with you that you know, no matter what happens, you're gonna share a laugh with afterwards and talk about how great (or bad) you were. This year's team was great and I wouldn't have wanted anyone else in my corner all week."

Francis had a special note of thanks to coach Deborah Eldridge. "Coach Deb kept us in line. It wasn't an easy job, I can tell you that! But she did a great job."

As well, he thanked his parents, who made the trip up to watch his second round and made him feel a little more at home when really, he was so far away.

Source: Mohawk College