Fivay’s Padova commits to UNF

Posted Aug 18, 2011 by Mike Camunas

Updated Aug 18, 2011 at 02:52 PM

With his senior season just a few weeks away, Fivay Austin Padova, The Pasco Tribune’s Boys Golfer of the Year, has already lined up his collegiate plans. Falcons coach Eric Kruck and Padova confirmed Thursday afternoon that he has verbally committed to the University of North Florida.

“I believe he’s pretty happy with his decision,” said Kruck, who had Fivay finishing as 1A-9 district runner up, just five strokes behind Saddlebrook Prep, but eight ahead of Wesley Chapel. “I’m glad it’s one less thing on his mind this season.”

Padova said his three choice for college were Florida, UCF and UNF. He added that after he first visited UNF, loving the campus and the golf program, he visited UCF, where “it was hotter on the courses and didn’t have as nice weather as up (in Pensacola) at UNF, so I based my decision a lot on that and the golf program.”

“I wanted to stay in Florida, I didn’t want to go out of state,” Padova added in telephone interview. “It limited my choices, but I made mine and I’m really happy with it.”

Padova had a great summer run on the Florida Junior Golf Tour, where he competes in the boys 16-18 age group. Padova won twice in May (Innisbrook and the Ritz-Carlton Brandenton) and finished 7th in the Boys Junior Championship in early July. As of press time, Padova was the FJT points leader in his age bracket with 4,320 points, 939 ahead of the second-place golfer. The wins and impressive tour play caught the eye of prominent golf manufacturer, TaylorMade, which is fitting Padova with complimentary clubs this weekend.

During the 2010 season, Padova was one of three Pasco County boys golfers to shoot around or under par, then Padova went on to shoot 1-over-par (71-74 —145) at the state tournament for a four-way tie for 15th. That finish, however, was much better than when he finished 37th as a sophomore at Ridgewood.

And with Wesley Chapel and Saddlebrook losing its top seniors, and with Fivay returning all five starters, Padova likes the Falcons’ chances to not only take the district, but make a team appearance at state.

“My team has gotten a year better, a year older, while the other schools have lost a lot,” Padova said. “I"d like to see my whole team go and experience the tournament and get the chance to play on a nice course and in a big tournament. It’ll be nice for it be a little different than having to go (to states) by myself like I have the past two years.”

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