(Editor's Note: This is part of a series of stories of the RUDY Award finalists. Two winners – one male and one female – will be announced at the conclusion of the end of the R.UD.Y.S. Awards Banquet on Monday.
R.U.D.Y.S. stands for Recognition and celebration of University of Dayton student-athletes Year-end Showcase. It is hosted by the UD Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Dayton Athletics administration for the student-athletes to recognize individuals and teams for their accomplishments this past year.
These stories were written by students in Dr. Haozho Pu's HS 353 Sports Media class.)
Written by Jack Doherty, Sean Kelly, Declan Pleuss, Sophia Villella
Senior golfer
Victor Caliguri has made a strong impact on the University of Dayton men's golf team in his time as a Flyer. The Cincinnati native and Elder High School graduate is a marketing major and has quickly become one of the team's leaders both on and off the course.
Caliguri has put together an impressive list of achievements during his collegiate career. Last season, he was named Dayton golf's MVP and finished with a 72.9 scoring average. One of the most memorable moments of his career came when he shot a career-low 64 to finish second at the Moraine tournament, one of the biggest events of the season. This year, he has continued his strong play by recording five top-10 finishes so far.
At Dayton, Caliguri serves as a captain and takes pride in helping lead his teammates to improve every day on and off the course. Outside of golf, he enjoys spending time with his friends and family and building Legos. His long-term goal is to turn professional after graduating and continue pursuing his dream of one day playing on the PGA Tour.
Q: What does being a Flyer mean to you?
A: It means the world to be called a Flyer. Even though I've only been here for 2 years I am so grateful to go here and have made so many friends I call family now.
Q: What is one of the most influential moments in your athletic career?
A: Shooting a career low 64 (-7) to place second in the biggest event of the season. And being named MVP last year.
Q: How has being a student-athlete contributed to your personal growth and development?
A: Being a student athlete has made me a better man all around. It forms you into a timely individual and teaches you many lessons that many people don't have the opportunity to experience.
Q: What are your future goals and aspirations after graduating from UD?
A: I plan to turn professional and see where that leads me. Ever since I was a kid it's always been a dream of mine to play on the PGA Tour, so that is my main focus after graduating.
Q: Golf is such a mental sport, how do you stay focused and confident during a round when things aren't going your way?
A: You always have to rely on the work you put in everyday. Golf is a sport where you lose more than you win and dealing with that is always a struggle. However, it's how you build off those losses that turn you into a mentally stronger person and player.
Q: What is one lesson golf has taught you that you think will help you the most after your playing career is over?
A: To never stop fighting. Like said before you lose more than you win when playing golf. That also relates to life as well. Life will never be how you want it and golf has taught me how to process that better. I'm forever grateful that I played this game and how it's made me a better person mentally.
