Coach Terry Bocian AQ Athletic Hall of Fame
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Aquinas' golf team was known as "the Yankees of the North" for their outstanding
regional performances. In 1963, Coach Dick McCormick left his squad of six underclassmen to national prominence
against NCAA schools, blazing through a 19-5 regular season, defeating Notre Dame, Western Michigan University,
Ferris State, Wayne State and all local competitors. The team also beat Central Michigan on several occasions. In this
championship year, all six members of the team had seasonal averages between 74 and 79. Beginning their season in
the chill and damp of Michigan March, the team ended by earning a berth in the NCAA's invitation-only national
tournament. Aquinas led the tournament going into the final day, but host team Southwest Missouri State, used to their
home course and the steamy 100+ degree heat, pulled ahead to win by only eight strokes. Aquinas second-place
national finish remains the highest team finish at a national sports competition in the College's sports history.
