Red Storm senior golfer takes on the Questions

Each week, CatholicSportsNet.com will be getting to know a new student-athlete from around the country, by asking him/her a series of 20 questions - some in-depth, some lighthearted - that will provide insight into the thoughts and personalities of the men and women who are doing great things on and off the courts, fields, tracks, and courses.

St. John’s University fifth-year senior captain Evan Beirne is one of two seniors for the Red Storm men’s golf team, and his leadership is essential in leading a team that also includes one freshman and three sophomores.

Beirne, who transferred to SJU from Southern Methodist University early in his collegiate career, played in every tournament for St. John’s during the 2007-08 season and carded an average score of 74.06.

Last year, Beirne made a run at the Big EAST Conference Championship, as the Connecticut native found himself tied for first after 54 holes. He eventually shot a three-round 215 and settled for a second place tie following playoff. For his effort, Beirne was named to the All-Big EAST Men’s Golf Team.

This season, Beirne has been equally consistent and has three, top-two finishes on his resume, including an individual championship win at Mission Inn Intercollegiate Tournament in late October after he fired a final day 68 to overcome a three-shot deficit to win the title. His performance also propelled his squad to a third place finish in that tournament.

A Sports Management major at St. John’s, Beirne will be instrumental to his team’s success when the Red Storm (coached by Frank Darby) resume action in the spring. Beirne recently took part in the CatholicSportsNet.com “20 Questions” segment, and his answers are below.

1) How did you choose the college you attend?

I actually started at Southern Methodist University and transferred after my freshmen year. My coach Frank Darby heard I was transferring from another player on the team and contacted me. It has been a great fit for me at St. John's.

2) What is your favorite part of college athletics?

My favorite part of college athletics is being with my teammates and having a great time with them.

3) How do you balance academics and your sport?

Sometimes it can be very difficult to balance school with athletics but you just have to stay on top of your work and talk to your teachers and they will work with you.

4) What is the hardest part about being a student athlete?

I don't think there is any one thing that I find difficult about being a student athlete. The only thing might be finding some time to sleep.

5) What do you do for fun when you aren’t in class or at practice?

Some things that I do for fun when I’m not in class is watch tv with the guys on the team, or go into the city to hang out.

6) What is the best characteristic that you bring to your teammates?

The best characteristic I bring to my roommates is that I try to be very easy going and keep everyone relaxed. I also try to be a leader and help some of the guys if they have anything questions about college golf.

7) What does your team do as a pregame ritual?

We don't have any pre game rituals, but we do eat very well before tournaments.

8) What music do you listen to before a game?

I don't listen to a lot of music before I play but a lot of the guys on the team do. I may borrow an IPOD for a song or two but usually just get ready on my own.

9) What role does your faith play throughout school, games, and practice?

Faith plays a big role in what I do. I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason. I have been fortunate enough to experience some highs and lows and it has made me a stronger person.

10) Favorite pro team to watch?

Favorite pro team to watch is the Giants and Yankees.

11) What is your coach’s best quality?

Our coach's best quality is that he stays very positive and is always good for a laugh or two during the round. He always knows what to say and when to say it.

12) Why is a team captain(s) so important to the team?

I think a team captain is important because he or she can help some of the younger guys through some of the difficult times of college life. Being a leader on and off the course is important in helping the team succeed.

13) How does your team handle defeat? What do you say to your team after a tough loss?

In golf you lose a lot more than you win, its just the nature of the game. So, being able to except defeat is part of the game. We do not like to lose but at the same time we know we cant dwell on the losses. We look at the areas where we need to get better and we work on those areas for the next tournament.

14) What is your favorite pregame snack?

My favorite pre game snack is a big healthy breakfast. I like having eggs, bacon, toast, etc.

15) Favorite movie quote?

My favorite movie quote is from Tincup. Kevin Costner says "When a defining moment comes around, you either define the moment or the moment defines you." This quote is true in all sports but especially in golf because you are faced with so many different situations while in a round of golf.

16) What advice to you have for young student athletes as they decide where to go to college?

Go somewhere you are going to play. Gaining tournament experience is something that can't be taught but only gained through trial.

17) Best smart phone app?

I’m terrible with technology. The guys on my team make fun of me all the time. If I had it my way I'd live in the 50's.

18)How do you think your involvement in college sports and academics will benefit you when you begin to look for a job?

I plan to play golf after I graduate so everything that I have learned in my time at St. John's will help me along the way.

19) What does it mean to play athletics for a catholic college?

It means a lot. I am a very religious person. My mother and father have instilled all the values of the Catholic Church in me since I was young.

20) What is your proudest athletic achievement?

My proudest athletic achievement is still yet to come. Ask me this question after Big East Championships when our team wins that ring!