When Mitch Evanecz of the University of Victoria Vikes golf team says his goal is to "come out on top" at the Canadian university golf championships starting tomorrow in Fredericton, N.B., you better take him seriously.
The Red Deer native finished second in the Alberta Open last week and represents ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ starting next weekend at the world university golf championships in Spain. He plans on turning pro in the fall or next spring. He won't be making use of that economics degree he's getting from UVic for some time yet.
"It sure is a busy time in my life, but I want to give golf a chance," said the graduating Evanecz, who hit the ball for four years at UVic after a freshman year at Montana Tech.
"The pro game will be a completely new level requiring a different attitude and mindset. I've played in tournaments with pros and I've watched them and learned."
Evanecz said UVic was a good choice for his development.
"There's no snow and you can play 12 months of the year, which really helps improve your game," he said.
Evanecz leads a Vikes men's golf squad looking for a fourth national title in school history.
The UVic team includes Evanecz, Jordan Ediger of Calgary, Steven Lane of Surrey and brothers Sam and James Holland of New Minas, N.S.
Vikes coach Bryan Carbery pegs UVic, UBC (with Victoria star Cory Renfrew), Laval, Waterloo and Humber College of Toronto as the big five on the men's side.
UVic's women's hopes ride with two Islanders -- Claremont-grad Megan Woodland and Alyssa Herkel of Port Alberni -- along with Kristy Chew of Vancouver, Anne Balser of Digby, N.S., and Michaela Misener of Stanhope, P.E.I.
Balser is on the Canadian team for the world university championships next weekend in Spain.
Carbery said NAIA champion UBC is a "slam dunk" for the women's national title but that UVic should place second.
Twenty men's teams and 10 women's squads have qualified to vie for the national university championships.
