The Midwestern State University Disc Golf team, established in March 2022, directed four big events, competed in two major collegiate events, and strengthened ties with the local community during its first full season in 2022-23.

The team also secured a sponsorship with Lone Star Discs and was a part of the volunteer team at the Disc Golf National Tour event in Austin, Texas.

"The MSU Disc golf team was something that came to life just because of a few buddies that enjoyed playing disc golf together,” said outgoing team captain Nic Hubbert. “We have hosted massive events, traveled across the country to compete, and grown so much, not only in the sport but from a business perspective as well.”

The team’s first fundraiser event had 32 local players, and Hubbert and 2023-24 team captain Jacob Newberry said it couldn’t have been done without great support from the Wichita Falls community.

The team held its first sanctioned PDGA (Professional Disc Golf Association) event in September. There were 81 players from five different states. “It took a lot of work and focus, which led to a lot of positive feedback from the participants,” Newberry added.

Professional disc golfer Tanner Girouard, who won the MSU Open, helped the team make contact with Lonestar Discs, a Texas-based manufacturing company, for team sponsorship.

The next event was a wintertime Frozen Falls Ace Run, set on a shorter course layout, which drew 55 players. There were four aces recorded, including two by MSU team players. And in May 2023, the team ran a United States Disc Golf Championship amateur doubles qualifier.

On the course, the team traveled to San Marcos, Texas for the Texas Collegiate Championship. “The weather got to us in our singles round, but we put together a good final round during team play,” Newberry said.

The highlight of the college disc golf season is the College Disc Golf National Championship in Marion, North Carolina. “Although we didn’t play the best, we had a great experience,” Newberry said. “I had been playing disc golf for years by myself, so the team play aspect was new and fun, as you have three other guys working the course with you for each shot.”

After returning home, the team accepted an invitation to compete against Sheppard Air Force Base disc golfers at Wind Creek. Other recreational sports teams have also had opportunities to compete against SAFB athletes this year. “We were grateful for the opportunity and played some of our best golf,” Newberry added.

The team learned much in its first year and hopes to continue to grow. “For us to have successful events, we needed community support which they stepped up a lot for us whether it was the WFDGA or local individuals,” Hubbert said. “This team has provided each one of us with invaluable lessons on teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance.”

For more information on joining the team or supporting the club with sponsorship, contact Jacob Newberry at jenewberry0411@gmail.com.