Dec. 5, 2013
VERMILLION, S.D.—South Dakota head men's and women's golf coach Nick Hovden is pleased to announce the names of four student-athletes who are expected to join the program next season. The list includes Timbrelee McNair (Girard, Kan.), Abby Dufrane (Marinette, Wis.), Matt Swanson (Cambridge, Minn.) and Cole Peterson (Sioux Falls, S.D.). McNair and Dufrane both signed National Letters of Intent.
From day one in our recruiting process, we knew that these four individuals would be a great fit in our program, said Hovden. Each has the desire and work ethic needed to be successful at the collegiate level. They are excellent students, hold themselves to high standards and can compete right away.
McNair holds every school record in girls golf at Girard High School. She was the 2012 Kansas 4A state champion and had three top-four finishes at the high school state tournament. She maintained a stroke average of 77 during her last two years of high school and has won 26 high school tournaments.
There aren't a whole lot of people who can outwork Timbrelee, said Hovden. She is constantly pushing herself to be the best in the classroom, on the course and in the gym.
Dufrane was a four-time state qualifier for Marinette High School. She placed second at the regional, sectional and state tournaments this past fall and maintained a stroke average of 78 throughout her senior season. Dufrane twice won the state regional tournament and took the sectional title as a junior. She had a double eagle in winning the 2012 WIAA State Sectional.
We love Abby's passion for the game of golf, said Hovden. She has all the characteristics to be an exceptional leader on our team.
Swanson will be a six-year varsity golf member this spring for the Cambridge-Isanti Bluejackets. He will be looking to make his third consecutive trip to the Class AAA State Golf Tournament. Swanson has reduced his stroke average in each of the last four seasons, improving to 73 in 2013. His low round of 68 is a CIHS record.
Matt has been a great success in all of the sports he competes in at CIHS, said Hovden. Once golf becomes his key focus, the sky is the limit on his game.
Peterson is a five-year letterman for Sioux Falls Lincoln. He has earned all-state, all-city and all-conference honors in each of the last two seasons while maintaining a stroke average of 74. Peterson placed 15th at the Class AA Golf Tournament in October. In 2010, he was named Lincoln's Applied Arts Student of the Year.
Cole was a key member of a talented high school program, said Hovden. He knows exactly what it takes to push and be pushed for playing spots. This will be a huge advantage stepping into a collegiate program.
