Recently we had a chance to speak with Sacred Heart men’s golf standout Ryan Riley, who enters his senior season as a two-time all-NEC performer.  Riley, the 2002 NEC individual champion, garnered gold after a sudden-death playoff during last year’s championship. He closed the two-day tournament  in impressive fashion, firing a tournament-best three-under-par 69 over the final 18 holes.  During the 2001 campaign, the North Attleboro, MA native tied for third at the event.  Riley hopes to lead Sacred Heart to its first-ever NEC crown when the 2003 NEC Golf Championships take place on April 28-29 at the Architects Golf Club in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.

Name: Ryan Riley
School: Sacred Heart
Sport: Men’s Golf
Year: Senior

Hometown: North Attleboro, Massachusetts
High School: Boston College High
Major: Marketing
Notable Awards: 2002 NEC Tournament Individual Champion, Two-time NEC All-Conference performer

Favorite TV show: Sports Center
Favorite Music: John Mayer
Favorite Class/Professor: Principles of Advertising/Lawrence Weinstein
Favorite Players: Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia

NEC: Why did you choose to come to Sacred Heart?
RR: I liked the location and I wanted to stay close to home. I liked the practice facility and the coach. The academics are also good at Sacred Heart. 

NEC: What career do you wish to pursue after graduation?
RR: Something in the Marketing field. 

NEC: How does it feel to be a two-time All-Conference performer?
RR: I am hoping to make it three. I worked hard to get on the team and I also want to defend my title. I played well last semester, so I think I can do it. 

NEC: Do you feel any pressure since you are the returning individual champion?
RR: No I don’t. If you think about it too much it can negatively affect the game. 

NEC: How are you preparing for the Championships?
RR: My coach lined up a strong semester of tournaments. I also worked a lot in the winter on small parts of my game, like ball striking and putting. 

NEC: What will it take for Sacred Heart to become NEC champions?
RR: It’s going to take team balance. We have the ability; it’s just a matter of putting together four solid rounds each day. The team has been doing as much as we can to make this happen.   

NEC: Who is your biggest competition at the Championships this year?
RR: Central Connecticut State is the team to beat. They played well in the fall. Individually, Jimmy Hazen from my team and Bobby Myles from Central Connecticut are tough competitors.

NEC: What is your role on the team?
RR: I am the co-captain this year and I have been since freshman year. I am trying to get the younger guys to realize game management. I try to get them to practice hard and realize every stroke counts. The key is to get them to concentrate for 18 holes. 

NEC: What have you learned from playing golf at Sacred Heart?
RR: I have learned about dedication. You have to be able to balance travel and class work. We miss class, but we still need to do our work as well as go to tournaments. I definitely learned how to balance both.   

NEC: How long have you been playing?
RR: I started playing sophomore year in high school. 

NEC: How did you get started?
RR: My grandfather who lives in Myrtle Beach got me hooked. He plays a lot and got me interested in the game.

NEC: Where is your favorite place to play?
RR: Hilton Head, SC is a great place to play. It has nice courses and a low-key environment. 

NEC: Where is your least favorite place to play?
RR: I haven’t played on a course I didn’t like.

NEC: Who are some people that have influenced you the most?
RR: My parents, especially my mother. Also, my golf instructor Doug Weaver, who has been teaching me for five years, is a big influence. He helps me a lot and is a close friend. 

NEC: What’s the most important attribute a golf player needs?
RR: Mental toughness. Too many people are hard on themselves, which affects their game. You need to be able to let things go and concentrate on the next shot, which will help you play better golf. 

NEC: What is the most memorable moment in your athletic career?
RR: I would say the playoff last year at the conference championship. Getting through and winning was definitely the highlight of my career. 

- Interview conducted by Dawn Van Cleef, NEC Administrative Intern