When the Colorado School Of Mines golf team embarks on this springtime, they will be bring brand-new golf bags that do greater than bring their clubs. They will certainly continue the heritage of former Mines All-American Michael Lee.
” He was a team captain, a fantastic gamer, such a big component of our program and also it’s really simply a little thing we can do to honor him while we’re playing,” said Mines golf train Tyler Kimball.
Lee came to Mines from Greeley where he was an encouraging junior golf enthusiast. It really did not take long for Michael to fit right in with the across the country placed Orediggers.
” I was absolutely envious of Mike’s golf skill,” said previous teammate as well as PGA Tour Pro Jim Knous. “He was just one of those normally skilled golfers where he can grab a club and struck it just as well as I could.”
Michael was a two-time conference gamer of the year. He won 4 college golf events including the distinguished Division II National Preview.
” The field was loaded with All-Americans and also the method he played was so constant,” recalled Kimball. “He torched the area a little that day.”
Michael’s a lot of significant victory came in the 2011 State Match Play. With fellow rival as well as childhood years close friend Parker Edens on the bag, Michael tipped on the 18th tee at Bear Creek tied and with no concern.
” All linked going to 18 and Mike takes this very hostile line off the 18 tee and also I was like that’s down in the canyon that’s gone,” claimed Edens. “It carries and he’s got a flip wedge in and he hits it to a foot and a half and (Jonathan) Marisco gives it to him as well as the match is over. It was so awesome.”
After college graduation Michael stepped away from affordable golf yet he did card his only job hole-in-one. He likewise came to be an oil engineer as well as in 2020 married the love of his life, Morgan.
Life was good till last November when Michael began feeling ill. Thus many Americans he was identified with COVID-19 and hospitalized at Lutheran.
” Even after a couple week you believed he’s alright,” claimed former colleague Chad Herges. “He was texting us, we were joking about giving him a difficult time.”
While Michael did feel far better at times, the 28 years of age without pre-existing problems inevitably passed because of COVID complications, less than 6 weeks after really feeling sick and on the 6 month anniversary of his wedding.
” To see the path it went was ruining,” said Knous. “I just think of him and his family members everyday.”
Currently friends and family are coping with Michael’s death the best way they know how. By keeping his memory active.
At Mines, Michael’s success are well documented as well as moving forward the group captain will use the Michael Lee memorial storage locker.
” There’s going to be a great plaque and also it’s mosting likely to list his accomplishments,” said Kimball. “Those are just golf success, I wish they ask the inquiries, ask a little about Mike what he resembled as an individual and what he implied to our program.”
Edens petitioned the Colorado Golf Association to recognize Michael. He and a close friend sent out a letter to the CGA asking to honor a medal to the Match Play champ in Michael’s honor. The CGA agreed.
Michael Lee, it’s an usual name, however one that leaves behind an unusual tradition.
” I believe his tradition is exactly how he influenced other people,” said Knous. “He was never looking at himself or doing points for himself and was constantly extra concerned with other people.”
“” How much do you miss out on Michael?” I asked Herges.
” It’s damn near daily that you consider him.”
” It’s incredible,” claimed a psychological Edens. “We had not been in touch as much and also you simply desire you might have one more beer with him or play 9 holes with him.”
The family has set up a foundation in Michael’s honor. It will sustain the Colorado School of Mines and also jr golf in Northern Colorado. You can discover it at michaelraylee.com.