The University of Akron Athletics
Q&A With New Head Men's Golf Coach David Trainor
July 12 | Men's Golf
AKRON, Ohio – After being named the 19th head coach of The University of Akron men's golf team on June 13, head coach David Trainor took some time out of his busy schedule to discuss his background, coaching philosophies and his plans for the Akron program.
Congratulations on being named the head golf coach. How does it feel?
It feels great. My family and I are thrilled to be a part of the Akron community.
How did you get started in coaching?
Brian Craig (Head Coach at UK) is a good friend and mentor. He called me in January of 2005 and offered me the assistant position at Kentucky.
How did your experience at Kentucky help form you as a coach?
I cannot explain in words what it meant to learn from someone like Brian Craig. Brian is a fantastic person and coach. He taught me a great deal about perseverance, patience and recruiting.
What are your immediate goals for the Akron golf program?
I have several. The team in place is very young, but has an immense amount of talent. I want to see our guys compete for team, as a well as individual, championships this year and beyond.
Where do you see this program in five years?
I wish I had a crystal ball to answer that question. I think this program has a ton of potential, and I want to continue to build on what is currently in place. The ultimate goal is to win a MAC Championship and compete for NCAA postseason berths. Our competition is stiff, but it can be done.
What is your scheduling philosophy?
I want to schedule to best possible competition on good golf courses. When you have the opportunity to play on some of the great venues, you get a very clear picture of where your game is and where it needs improvement.
Is there a certain type of golfer you're looking to recruit?
Absolutely. I am looking for players who are not afraid of cold weather and are tough mentally. There are so many talented players today – but what separates the good from the great are those two things. There are obviously more than just those two items, but they are a big part.
Talk about the advantages the Akron program possesses with its indoor facility and having Firestone Country Club as a home course.
Firestone stands alone as one of the premier facilities in the United States. When you think Firestone, you automatically think World Series of Golf, World Golf Championship, Bridgestone Invitational, Tiger Woods and the best players in the world. What many people don't know is that the North Course is fantastic and it is our home facility! Mark Gore and his staff have been extremely good to Akron in the past, and I want to do everything possible to ensure our relationship only gets better in the future.
Our indoor facility is exactly what we need to be able to compete coming out of the winter in Akron. When you get to this level of competition, ball striking tends to come back very quickly. The short game is usually what suffers the most. It gives a distinct advantage practice wise, as well as from a recruiting standpoint.
What was the best piece of advice you were given as student-athlete at the College of Charleston that you think will help Akron's student-athletes succeed on the course?
I had a wonderful experience at Charleston, and if I could do it all over again, I would not make any changes. College is the most exciting time in a young person's life. They mature more in the four years they are in college than at any other time in their life. My advice to my team would be to enjoy every minute of your time in college, and learn the art / skill of time management. Student-athletes are time millionaires, and they don't know it. If they can manage their time wisely, it will alleviate a lot of unnecessary stress and allow them to do better in the classroom and on the golf course.
What do you like to do in your free time away from golf?
I have a beautiful family that I love spending time with. When I am not working, I really enjoy spending being with them.
If you could have a golf foursome with anyone in the world, who would it be?
The first two are a no brainer - Jesus and my son, Will. As of right now, I would probably leave it as a threesome.
