By Cole A. McMahon
The Simpson University golf team was left coachless after their previous head coach, Austin Dame left before the end of the fall semester.
Golfer Ryan Gavin said Dame called a team meeting explaining that he found a better opportunity and would be leaving the team.
Dame was “head hunted by a tech company,” Gavin said, regarding Dame’s new opportunity.
Fortunately, Simpson University landed a new golf coach who has experience as a professional golfer.
Redding native, Jason Deaver was hired to take over both the women’s and men’s teams. Deaver has coaching in his blood.
His father, Jim Deaver, “coached cross country at Enterprise High School for over 30 years,” according to Simpson University Athletics.
On the Simpson University Athletics page, Deaver had encouraging words for his new program:
“I am excited to have an impact on these kids' lives through faith and their golf careers. I was handed a very good program and would like to build it into a nationally competitive one. "
The golf team found out about the hiring of Coach Deaver a few days ago. On Jan. 22, the golf team finally met its new coach. According to some, he left a strong first impression.
“A strong Christian commitment,” were the first words Gavin had to say about his new coach.
Deaver laid out the first set of expectations for the golf team.
“No hats in chapel. No using the Lord’s name in vain,” Gavin said.
Gavin shared that Coach Deaver’s Christian faith is his identity. He has already begun to instill it in his players, saying “Our identity is in Christ, not in golf.”
In the first two days of practice Deaver “played with the guys” on the course to see if they could beat him, Gavin explained. Adding that Deaver “is a brilliant golfer.”
The confidence and morale of the golf program are at new heights.
“There’s no reason we can’t go out and win the Cal Pac,” Ryan exclaimed.
In only a few days Coach Deaver has provided confidence and motivation for the program going forward.
Gavin added Deaver’s professional golf experience will be a confidence booster. “If you’re in a high-pressure situation [during the season],” Deaver has been there, done that, Gavin added.
Coach Deaver has been a caddy for other pro golfers, Gavin noted, and has “been in the situation of being an advice giver.”
If Coach Deaver suggests switching to a three-wood on a hole, chances are his players will listen to their coach.
The men’s and women’s golf teams will start their seasons in Pasadena, California to compete in the Sea Beggar Invitational on Feb. 17.
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