Zack Kempa - September 30, 2004
This week's TCO Athlete of the Week is Zack Kempa.
It was at the tender age of two that Zack Kempa first took a golf club in hand. The club, a seven iron that had belonged to his grandfather, was cut down, custom sized to fit the toddler. This early start in the sport is just one trait Zack shares in common with his idol, golfing phenomenon Tiger Woods. The other is a strong desire to one day make it as a pro.
By the age of five Zack began to play golf regularly. He started entering tournaments at the age of 11, and in 2004 took first place in the Northridge Invitational Tournament's 13 and under division. That same season he was named the club's Junior Champion. In 2003 Zack took the Tyke Championship title on the Kiwi Tour. In 2003 he also placed second in his division at the Arrowdale Jr. Club Championships. Recently Zack was invited to Florida to attend the Golf Channel's Qualification Tournament in Orlando for their National Tournament, planned for October 23, 2004.
A Grade Eight student at St. Gabriel's School, 12-year-old Zachary also enjoys playing hockey. From the age of five until the age of eight he played soccer as well, but suspended his participation, deciding to focus his energies on his two main sports, hockey and golf. Zack is a member of the Brantford Church Hockey League, and belonged to the Atom squad that placed as Division Consolation Runners-up in 2002. In 1999 his team won the Novice "C" Championships.
At school Zack is active on intramural sports teams, including basketball and volleyball. He is also a member of the St. Gabriel's golf team. He volunteers as a school Safety Patroller, and is a reading buddy, assisting Junior and Senior Kindergarten students as they learn to read.
Zack also volunteers to share his golf knowledge and skills with players younger than he. This past summer he assisted at the Northridge Junior Golf Camp, aiding the golf pro in instructing youth players. He committed his time three days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for three weeks.
When Zack isn't playing golf he spends part of his time learning how to make and repair golf clubs, collecting and selling golf balls, and delivering the Weekend Edition of the Brantford Expositor. This dedication and work ethic, combined with his current 9 handicap and his strong academic performance are an excellent foundation for his ultimate long-term goal: a post-secondary golf scholarship, and a career as a golf professional.
Congratulations Zack, and good luck! |
