NIU golfer and junior finance student Craig Long has been recognized as the Athlete of the Week by the Mid-American Conference.
“I first got into golf because my dad loved the Masters Golf Tournament,” Long said. “I loved football and baseball growing up, but my dad’s fascination with the Masters was captivating for my brother and me. My brother and I started playing at the same time, and it became something we did together that was fun and competitive.”
Once Long became a teenager, he considered playing golf at a collegiate level.
“I chose NIU because we have a great coach and amazing practice facilities here,” he said. “It has given me the opportunity to become the best I can be.”
When Long found out he was being honored as the MAC’s Athlete of the Week, he felt a tremendous sense of pride.
“Being given that honor means a lot to me. It means that I am doing the right things on and off the course,” he said. “The life of a student-athlete isn’t always easy, and I’ve really started to learn how to balance it all this semester.”
On an average day, Long’s schedule is packed. He works out at 7:15 a.m. with his teammates and attends classes until 12:30 p.m. before getting lunch at the Huskies’ home course, Rich Harvest Farms. He then sharpens his skills in team practice until dinner time, does classwork and studies before repeating the next day.
Long gives some of the credit for his award to his coaches and teammates.
“My coaches are extremely encouraging,” he said. “I don’t think everyone in Division I sports can say that. I truly think my coaches pick me up when I am down. My teammates are the same way; we all care about each other deeply and that shows through everyone’s actions.”
Through it all, Long has learned how to hone his focus.
“I’ve learned is that there are many things you should ignore in life. I pride myself on my priorities in life: my faith, family, school and golf,” he said. “I think we live in a world where there are many distractions, but I have learned that keeping the main things in the center of my life helps me stay focused.”
Some of the characteristics that have made Long an excellent athlete have carried over into the classroom.
“Many of the people I meet at NIU have a story of perseverance,” he said. “Nothing is given, and everything is earned. I am proud to be a part of a group of people that create success out of their situation, whatever that may be.”
