Photo Courtesy UTRGV Athletics
Ruben Mohme | THE RIDER
This year, the pandemic has affected everyone, including UTRGV Men’s Golf Team Head Coach Philip Tate.
Tate said there were challenges when coaching this season.
“[COVID-19 testing has] been a disruption this season,” he said. “Taking temperature checks every morning, bright and early, has definitely altered our schedule.”
Tate said it has been difficult on the team this season.
“It hasn’t been easy,” he said. “It doesn’t sound like it’s much, but, mentally, it’s very draining because you know in the back of your head, you are one positive test away from getting shut down.”
Asked if his coaching style has adapt- ed or changed this season compared to others, Tate replied, “I’ve relaxed a little bit, as far as my demands on the team. I’ve understood they are under a different stress in their lives right now.” He said the team has also had to face personal struggles due to the pandemic. “Some of them have not been home in over a year because of the pandemic,” Tate said. “We have had two players lose their grandparents and haven’t been able to go home because they have not been allowed to travel and be with their families to mourn.”
Asked if the challenges of this year will help him next season, he replied, “I think I’ve learned and grown. I think there is a balance to allow the players a little bit more flexibility and under- standing, but I have also realized that you have to stay on top of your game and you have to stay sharp.”
Tate looks forward to the next season.
“We brought in some good players and we have some good players return- ing and we are excited and I am look- ing forward to it,” he said. “We hope to be competitive in the new expanded [Western Athletic Conference].”
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