Getting into the swing of things

Golf isn’t everything for Toledo’s Otto Black, but it has played a big part in the senior’s life.

“I’ve been playing as long as I can remember,” Black said. “Since I was little.”

Sports in general have been big for Black, a high school letterwinner in basketball and golf.

“I really like the atmosphere of golf,” Black said. “My dad and my swing coach have probably been my two biggest influences.”

Black’s time and efforts to his craft haven’t been a waste as he has received the accolades to back that up. In his first three years at UT, Black has been named the All-Mid American Conference freshman of the year and has been named to the All-MAC team all three years, including first team last season.

He has also been named MAC golfer of the week on two separate occasions.

This season has gotten off to a great start not only for Black but also for sophomore Colin Joseph.

Black and Joseph finished first at a USGA qualifier event combining to shoot 10 under par 62 at the Four Bridges Country Club in Liberty Township. They automatically qualified for the amateur Four Ball Championship next spring.

The pair also led the Rockets on their way to breaking the school record for a 36-hole score, shooting 282-285-567 at the Notre Dame Kickoff Challenge two weeks ago.

In spite of their success, the two have taken different paths to get there.

While Black started off with a club in his hand from an early age, it was not Joseph’s first love.

“I didn’t start taking a bigger interest in golf until high school,” Joseph said. “I played hockey up until seventh grade.”

The two do have some things in common though — starting with their success on the course.

Joseph doesn’t have the accolades that Black did after his freshman season, but still had a solid year, posting a 78.0 stroke average for the season. This season, he’s shown signs of improvement shooting a 73.0 stroke average to start the 2015 season, providing a spark for Toledo during the aforementioned kickoff event, as well as the USGA qualifier.

“They’re great guys and they’ve been great to have on this team,” said Head Coach Jamie Broce. “They’ve had a great influence on the team.

Their success doesn’t just stop on the links as both are hard workers in the classroom.

Black’s leadership is paving the way for Joseph’s success on and off the golf course.

Black is looking to finish up his degree in business this upcoming spring and Joseph, majoring in supply chain management, was named to the Dean’s List his first semester at UT.

If Joseph can continue to follow in Black’s footsteps on the course and continue his success in the classroom, you should expect to see the Toledo’s golf program to have success.