As we step into the short month of February, we begin to catch a glimpse of spring on the horizon. Spring ushers in festivities like St. Patrick’s Day and Easter where people can spend joyful time with friends and family. For eager sports fans, spring puts Major League Baseball back into the forefront of their minds. Perhaps most notably for a handful of athletes at John Carroll University: spring brings the return of John Carroll Golf.
For the Senior JCU linksman, Jacob Hazen, spring brings one last opportunity to take home a coveted OAC Championship trophy.
Hailing from Columbus, OH, the homeland of golf legend Jack Nicklaus, Hazen has had a profound love of golf from a young age. Hazen played for Dublin Coffman High School, was named First Team All Conference, 2nd Team All District and was a member of the Columbus Super 12 Team. Post-high school, Hazen has been nothing but a crucial member of the Blue Streaks.
Known for his gorgeous swing and soft touch around the greens, Hazen has been a key contributor to the squad for the last three years, most notably helping the Blue Streaks complete an unbelievable comeback to win an OAC championship his sophomore year. His performance helped to send the team to Florida to compete in the NCAA tournament.
Hazen shot a 295 at the 2022 OAC Tournament, with a 72 on the final day, to tie for fourth in the entire tournament, as the Streaks came back from down 19 strokes in a comeback win that one can only dream about.
However, Hazen’s list of accomplishments for the Blue Streaks does not end there. The former OAC athlete of the week has finished top six at tournaments like the Mount Union Invitational, Baldwin Wallace Fall Invitational, Poppa Flowers Invitational and the Dan Caschera Invitational.
Hazen recounted the team’s comeback from the OAC Tournament as easily his favorite memory as a Blue Streak. “That moment will always have a place in my heart…I still remember it like it was yesterday and I knew that team was really special all year and I’m excited to see what the boys can do this year to take that title back,” reflected Hazen.
Hazen mentioned, “We have tons of young talent. It’s super exciting because it means the program is heading in the right direction. I think we have tons of potential, not just for this season, but many to come.”
Hazen is certainly correct about the youth of this year’s team. Teammates like London Hoyser ‘27, Kamden Mowry ‘27, Austin Malley ‘27 and others have already played a major role for the Blue Streaks in the fall season. JCU is bursting at the seams with young talent.
Although his final season is on the horizon, Hazen will always remember the value of his coaches and teammates.
“I’m extremely lucky to be a part of the Blue Streak golf program and I can’t fathom playing for another team…I’ve made so many friendships through my teammates here and it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life”
April 6 marks the start of the season with the OAC spring preview and Hazen will take to the green once again.