Senior Jack Rhea, Jonesborough, Tennessee, recently came off a strong performance in the 120th U.S. Amateur Championship on Aug. 20.
He reached the 18-way playoff spot for the Bucs, but he fell short on the second playoff hole. This marked the final event for the Buccaneer athletics for the fall semester.
Rhea has been playing golf for the Bucs since 2017. In his first year, he earned a spot on the Southern Conference All-Freshman team, while also placing on the Southern Conference Honor Roll. That year, he also led the Bucs at the SoCon Championship with a sixth-place finish.
Rhea’s sophomore and junior years had their own respective successes, receiving another all-Southern Conference honor, a PING All-American Honorable Mention, and PING Division I East All-Region Team.
After wrapping up the summer tour with four amateur tournaments, the athletics department canceled all sports activities for the fall, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We have a great team, same as the in the spring, and it is disappointing not being able to play this fall,” Rhea said.
The Bucs set their goals for the season as a top 25 finish in the country, along with a visit to NCAA Regionals and NCAA Championship play. Rhea and the Bucs look to get lots of practice time, however, with open golf courses in the Johnson City area.
“I am going to try to play as much as possible during the time off the season,” Rhea said.
The Bucs have their own respective goals as a team, despite the canceled season, as they look to take advantage of more practice time.
“I want to be able to shot the best score I can, while also shooting a lot in the fairway,” Rhea stated.
Rhea looks to continue his time at ETSU with a positive attitude, despite the cancelled sports activities.
“I love the competition that ETSU brings to the table, along with working with a great group of athletes,” Rhea said.
