Richard Bland Names Sam Smith Athlete of the Week

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, Va. – Richard Bland College sophomore men's golf standout Sam Smith/Chesterfield has been named the Athletics Department's Athlete of the Week for the period September 13-19. He posted a 36-hole score of 70-77--147 to place fourth among 59 golfers at the Eagles' Cup Tournament September 17-18 at the Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Raleigh, North Carolina. Smith led the Statesmen (308-302--610) to a second-place finish among nine teams at the 6,904-yard, par 71 course with his impressive five-over par effort over two rounds. His one-under 70 on day one had him tied for first after the first round, and tied for the second lowest round of the event overall, as well.

Please click on this link for Sam's full biography, and see below for a brief Q&A on his Athlete of the Week selection. Athletes of the Week are chosen by members of the Richard Bland Athletics Department.

Q: How does it feel to be named Richard Bland Athlete of the Week?
SS: It feels good. I know there are a lot of other athletes who work hard and are deserving as well, so it feels good to represent our golf team this week.

Q: How did you get started in your sport and how long have you played?
SS: I've been playing golf since I was young (elementary school), mainly because my dad enjoyed it, but I didn't start playing competitively until high school.

Q: What do you like most about your team?
SS: We love to have fun and joke with each other, but when it's time to play, we work to be the best individuals that we can be in order for the team to win.

Q: Who is your funniest teammate/why?
SS: Frankie Lin. He is Asian but talks with a British accent and it's awesome.

Q: Do you have any pre-competition rituals/superstitions?
SS: I'm not superstitious, but I like to plug-in my headphones and try to zone in and get focused when I'm warming-up before tournaments.

Q: What is your favorite place on campus/why?
SS: The Library. It is where I get most of my work done and focus on getting my academics straight before anything else. I also love the Statesman Hall gym and it always being available.

Q: What is your favorite class/professor/why?
SS: Calculus with Dr. (Matt) Smith (Assistant Professor of Mathematics). I enjoy the challenge.