UDM golfer Mark Sommerfeld takes time out for a Q&A with the Horizon League

Oct. 5, 2006

Why did you decide to attend the University of Detroit Mercy?

UDM is close to home and it offered the Business program I was looking for as well as the opportunity to play for a golf team with the ability to advance to NCAA Regionals.

What is the best aspect of being a part of UDM's golf team?

Each player is constantly working toward improving different aspects of their individual games.  This friendly competition within the team pushes our team to achieve its goals as a whole.

What is your most memorable game and/or moment as a UDM Titan?

Winning the Horizon League Championship and receiving an automatic bid to the NCAA West Regional at Notre Dame's Warren Golf Course.

What are some of your goals for this season?

Aside from my personal goals, winning the Horizon League Championship as a team for the second time in three years and representing the Horizon League at NCAA Regionals is our ultimate goal this season.

What do you do, both individually and as a team, to prepare right before you go out on the course?

Individually we all have different routines that we follow when preparing for a competitive round.  These routines include different flexibility and warm up drills as well as practicing each aspect of the game for a certain amount of time.

As a team we like to listen to a few (secret) songs in the van that help us get into a relaxed and concentrated mindset.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment throughout your collegiate career both athletically and in the classroom?

Athletically-being named Horizon League Player of the Year, and academically-being on the AD's Honor Roll, Horizon League Honor Roll and Horizon League All Academic Team.

You had a busy summer participating in three national events - the US Amateur Public Links, Canadian Amateur and US Amateur.  Can you describe what it was like playing in those tournaments?

Competing in the Canadian Am is always a special week.  Being from Canada, it is the closest to home of the national championships I have the chance to compete for.  This summer I competed in my first, and second USGA events in the US Am Public Links and the US Am.  Qualifying for these tournaments gave me a great deal of confidence, but also humbled me. 

I knew I had the ability to compete with the best amateurs in the world, but finally being in the thick of things is something I will always look back on.  The US Amateur taught me that I have the game to compete with the best, but that I have lots of hard work to do in order to be among the best of the best.

Also being an excellent student, how hard has it been to juggle your academics along with practices and events the last few years?

I find being a student-athlete provides me with the opportunity to effectively manage my time.  If I was not able to manage my time, I wouldn't get anything accomplished.  Most student-athletes who make it past their freshman year have great time management skills because they have less time to squander.

What are your future career plans?

To play golf professionally and be an entrepreneur.

You got the chance to attend the 2006 NCAA Leadership Conference.  Tell us what that meant to you and what you learned from it.

I was extremely honored to represent the University of Detroit Mercy but I wasn't sure what to expect before I arrived at the conference. Everything about the conference made it one of the best experiences of my life, not only as a student-athlete, but as a person.  I learned so much about myself and how to interact with others in social, athletic, and professional environments.  It was a great personal building experience that I will never forget. I am certain everyone who attended the conference made friends they will keep in touch with for the rest of their lives.

What is your favorite Coach Engel quote?

"All kidding aside."

What is your favorite thing about being involved in the Horizon League Student-Athlete Advisory Committee?

Although I am a Junior this will be my first year as a vocal member of UDM's SAAC.  I am excited to share everything I learned at the NCAA Leadership Conference as well as the 2006 Horizon League SAAC meetings with UDM's SAAC. It is great being a student-athlete and knowing you have the ability to make changes on your campus that will positively impact the student body and athletic program for years to come.

What do you enjoy doing most in the off-season?

Spending time with family and friends, reading and watching the Detroit Titan's men's and women's basketball games.

If you could change one thing about your sport, what would that be?

Pace of play.  Five-hour rounds are ridiculous.

If you could compete in the Olympics in any sport, what would it be?

Hockey.

What TV show would you most like to appear on and why?

Seinfeld, because it is way too funny.

What is your best non-athletic talent?

I love singing in the shower and cooking, but I'm not great at either hah.

What is the best/worst thing about living in Detroit?

The best thing is there are always great concerts and sporting events to go to, and the worst is that there are always great concerts and sporting events to go to.

Where in the world would you like to travel to and why?

India, because it is so different from anywhere I have ever been and the culture is intriguing.

If you could be any reality TV star, who would it be and why?

I know my boy Patrick from Cleveland State said this in September's student-athlete feature...but nothing could beat being the Bachelor.

Who is the most impressive person you have ever met?

Rubin "Hurricane" Carter.

What is your "breakfast of champions?"

An omelet with turkey and cheese, oatmeal, and toast with peanut butter.

If you could play at any golf course in the world, where would it be and why?

Augusta National.  The history is incredible.

Who would you cast to play you in a movie?

Hugh Jackman, he's good at being the funny guy and the tough guy.

If you had to choose one song to be your theme song, what would it be and why?

"What You Are" by Dave Matthews Band...it is very inspirational.

If you could get front row tickets to any concert, now or in the past, which would it be?

Dave Matthews Band.

What is your favorite professional sports team to watch?  Any specific team?

Detroit Pistons.  They are an amazing TEAM.

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas.  I love the family time and Mom, Grandma, and Oma's cooking.

What would people find surprising about you?

I can't be alone in the dark.