Ten years ago previous Ball State University's men's golf coach Earl Yestingsmeier retired after 35 years of coaching. Today, the men's golf team recognizes Yestingsmeier's accomplishments and dedication at the Earl Yestingsmeier Invitational at the Delaware Country Club.
"Earl has done so much for collegiate golf and our program," coach Mike Fleck said. "To recognize an event in his honor and to have his former players and past rivals come to our event is very special."
Although Yestingsmeier transferred coaching duties to Fleck 10 years ago, Yestingsmeier is still an avid fan of Ball State golf. He even travels to every tournament Ball State competes in.
"I'm just a fan," Yestingsmeier said. "I have missed two tournaments since I retired as coach: one in Texas and one in New Work because of Sept. 11. Since then, I have been to every tournament. I travel by myself, but once a year I will travel with the team. Most of the time though I drive."
Having Ball State's only home tournament named after him is something Yestingsmeier takes pride in.
"I am really proud. It means a lot," Yestingsmeier said. "The Ball State invitational used to be a one-day event. During Fleck's first year in 1999 it became a two-day 54-hole event. He named the tournament for me then."
As a member of Ball State's golf team from 1988-92, Fleck played under Yestingsmeier. Nowadays, Yestingsmeier is proud to see one of his players coach the team he did for 35 years.
"It makes me very proud," said Yestingsmeier. "He does a great job. Ball State has improved its golf all along since I have been out of coaching. Fleck plays a tough schedule and recruits well. He does the same thing I did: try to get the best players in Indiana and right now he is getting the top players in Indiana."
The 54-hole tournament in Muncie will host 12 collegiate teams. Unlike most sports, golf teams usually get one chance to host a tournament near its university.
"It's a pretty special opportunity to host a tournament," Fleck said. "It's a great opportunity to play at home. In golf you aren't home 10-15 times a year like other sports. This is it. This is our home event. This is our one chance to play at a golf course that we are familiar with."
While hosting a tournament is entertaining for players and fans, it takes a lot of preparation and work to function properly.
"I take a lot of pride in hosting an event," Fleck said. "Our goal is to do a good job and host a tournament that coaches and student-athletes will remember. There is a lot of paperwork, but Joe Hernandez and the administration help out a lot. From the moment the other teams arrive I want to make sure they have everything they need. Mainly though, I just make sure my own team is focused and ready to play."
After starting the fall season with three mediocre tournament performances, Fleck is hoping this event will give the Cardinals the break they need.
"We had a pretty intense week last week. We were on edge, but this tournament gives us an opportunity to do well where we know we can," said Fleck. "We cannot become complacent or relaxed though. It is hard to win a tournament and if my players want to put themselves in a good position they have to be ready to the best of their ability."
Senior Brian Maurer is looking forward to competing on a course he is familiar with.
"It makes it more comfortable and relaxing for the players," Maurer said. "Any time you can play at home regardless of the sport it makes it more comfortable and something to look forward to."
Maurer said, however, that a home tournament does not make it easier to win.
"Regardless of where you play you still have to focus and practice. The focus has to be consistent whether you are home or away. I just expect our team to go out and put ourselves in a position to win."
Regarding Yestingsmeier, Maurer said there isn't a better person that represents Ball State golf.
"He's the biggest inspiration I've had at Ball State," Maurer said. "The passion he has for golf is second to none and to have a tournament named after him is great. He has meant a lot to my golf career and me and I can't say enough about him. He has so much passion for the team and Ball State golf."
For the next two days Yestingsmeier will enjoy watching the Cardinals in Muncie and not somewhere else where he would have to travel by car.
"I am going to watch some golf. That is what I do best," Yestingsmeier said. "I have the utmost confidence in Fleck. He is doing a great job and that is all I can ask for."
Maurer agrees that Yestingsmeier will be watching a lot of golf.
"He wants nothing else than to watch goofy young guys succeed in golf," Maurer said. "The passion he has for the program helps everyone out. And I just hope our team can win the tournament for him so I can hold the trophy with him and get a picture."
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