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An Unusual Path to Sainthood: Shane Prante October 26, 2004 Lacey – In just over a year, Saints golfer Shane Prante (Jr., Black Hills) has already stacked-up an impressive cache of accomplishments, most notably his school’s first ever NCAA All-American selection and participation in the national tournament. His path to Saint Martin’s has been just as remarkable. Prante has claimed two major tournaments this fall and with the exception of a second place finish in Tuesday’s Bakersfield invite, has medaled in every competition he’s been in. His 69.45 average is the lowest in Division II and fifth best among all collegiate golfers. But it wasn’t that long ago that Prante, a somewhat shy home-schooled kid from Tumwater, couldn’t seem to get within a tee shot of a four-year collegiate program. Playing for Black Hills, he qualified for the state championships his senior year. A lackluster performance there cooled-off recruiters from first choice Western Washington so he took an offer from division I Portland State. “I was all packed-up and ready to go to PSU,” Shane recalled, “then I got the call explaining that the program had been cut so I sent a letter of interest to Saint Martin’s.” The local paper reported his commitment to PSU the very day Saints golf coach, Kurt Kageler, received his letter. “I was very interested in getting Shane here but I didn’t want to confuse the guy if he had already made-up his mind” Kageler said. So after no reply form SMC, Shane took a year off competitive golf and attended classes at South Puget Sound Community College. The next year a friend persuaded him to play at Tacoma Community College where he earned All-NWAACC honors. After that Kageler came calling and Shane finally found a home at Saint Martin’s. “I like the school and my coaches,” Prante said, “I feel they have my best interests at heart and Saint Martin’s gives me the best chance to succeed.” That feeling was tested last spring, however, when an apprehensive Kageler, out of respect for the best interests of his best golfer, allowed Nevada, a prominent division I program, to speak to Shane about transferring Prante, who had a friend playing for the Wolf Pack, declined the offer, “Nevada is fine, but I know I have more to gain right here at Saint Martin’s.” After a strong fall segment, Prante and the Saints (ranked third in Golfstat’s national poll) are legitimate candidates to gain a national championship. -SMC
Mark McGreevy, Sports Information Director
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