Pack signs standout from Centennial HS

Standout Chad Novak welcomes challenge of college links.
By JEFF LETOFSKY, THE PUEBLO CHIEFTAIN

Staying close to home was just one consideration for Chad Novak, who signed a letter of intent last week to play golf at Colorado State University-Pueblo.

Novak, a standout golfer at Centennial High School for the past four seasons, admitted he found many positives in signing with his in-town university.

"CSU-Pueblo is growing and coach (Ray Makloski) said as a freshman I have a really good opportunity to play," Novak said. "With three seniors leaving, that leaves the door wide open to land a spot on the team.

"Plus, coach Ray is one of the best playing coaches around. He's a past (Pueblo) city champion and can help me with my game mentally and physically."

Novak understands the level he'll be entering.

"There's a lot more players that can play and know how to play in college," Novak said. "You're not playing with guys who are messing around. In college, there are five guys wanting to play, wanting to win."

Novak is a golf-course rat, one of those players who lives on the course trying to polish his game.

This summer, he'll be doing just that. Novak plans on playing in the U.S. Open qualifier and both the men's and junior stroke play and match play tournaments. In addition, he's planning on playing once again in the Big I national event and will also try and qualify for the Colorado Open.

Novak has a plan for the next four years.

"I want to get to the NCAA Division II national tournament both as an individual and as a team," he said. "Plus, I'd like to win the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference top freshman award that goes to the freshman with the best scoring average."

Novak was the 2007 South-Central League medalist and the Pueblo City champion and tied for seventh at the 2007 Class 4A State Championship.

Another incoming freshman will join Novak on next year's roster. Geoff Dalgleish of Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria, Ariz., has also signed a letter of intent.
Dalgleish was a first-team all-region player and finished ninth in the state at the Arizona Junior Boys State Championship.