March 5, 2019

Student-Athlete Spotlight: George Appleseth

Welcome to the Kirkwood Eagles Golf Spotlight Q & A segment of the week.

George Appleseth
Hometown: Panora, IA
High School: Panorama
Year in School: So

Why did you choose to attend Kirkwood?

I chose Kirkwood because of the winning culture and tradition that you are surrounded by as an athlete here. I could see the high level of talent and competition and I wanted to be a part of that. In addition, I recognized the great things that Kirkwood had to offer academically and the plethora of options that were available to me and, most of all, I felt at home here.

What would you like to complete your major in and why?

I plan to pursue a major in pre-pharmacy. Following my undergraduate degree, I will go on to pharmacy school and plan to become a pharmacist. I have been surrounded by this area of study as many of my relatives are in the pharmacy industry. In addition, I find the chemistry that goes into pre-pharmacy to be fascinating.

What has been the most difficult and/or rewarding part of being a student-athlete?

Most Difficult: time management. Being a student-athlete presents many challenges with juggling school, workouts, practices, and travel.

Most Rewarding: the winning culture. Being around the other dedicated athletes here that want to excel in their respective sports.

What do you like most about competing?

The aspect of being able to perform under pressure is what I enjoy the most. When you compete, all the other perceived problems or things you deal with in life melt away. All that really matters is the present moment, and being in that moment is what I live for. It truly brings out the best version of you in victory and, more so, in defeat.

What has been your favorite class at Kirkwood? Who has been your favorite instructor and why?

General Biology - I found it so interesting learning about the complex functions within the human body. My favorite instructor is Dr. Joe Christopher, who I took General Chemistry l and ll with. He helped me progress and grow in chemistry and was always available and willing to answer my questions and provide guidance.

What is the best thing about your hometown?

I would have to say is it's a tie between Lake Panorama golf course and the lake. The majority of my summer is split between these two places and I could not think of a better place to be.

Do you have any pre-tournament or competition superstitions or rituals?

Actually, I do. I always start out at a tournament by hitting range balls followed by chipping then putting last. Most of all, I keep all my tees and ball markers in my left pocket and my glove in my right back pocket. Always.

What is the biggest difference from competing as a high school golfer to a college golfer?

There are many differences, however, the largest is the actual level of competition. In college, initially, I was very shocked by the expertise and strategy that it takes to succeed at this level. Being successful in high school wasn't nearly as difficult since the competition was not as steep.

What three people would you want to play a round of golf with and what golf course?

Tiger Woods, Jack Nicolas, and Jordan Speith. The Augusta National Golf Course.

If you could play another sport what would you choose to play?

Wrestling - being a wrestler has been a large part of my life and has helped shaped me to be a better person and golfer. Through hard work, sweat equity, along with following the process within the mental game and approach to competition, all have enhanced both my life and my golf game.