The hockey, basketball and swimming seasons have taken over St. Thomas’ sports schedule. But even with snow-covered greens, Tommie golfers seize a unique opportunity to improve.

In the Anderson Athletic and Recreation Center between head athletic trainer Jim Rakow’s training room and football coach Glenn Caruso’s locker room lies a state-of-the-art golf simulator. Built with the AARC in 2010, the room allows Tommie golfers to retain muscle memory in their golf swings, which junior Sam Palmisano said is crucial.

“It’s all about consistency. The more you’re swinging a golf club in the offseason, the more your improvements from fall season can translate to spring season,” Palmisano said.

St. Thomas is the only MIAC program to have this technology, which was a big factor in recruiting according to senior Bennett Schroeder, who had the fourth lowest score average in the MIAC this fall.

“It’s nice to have something different to show (recruits),” Schroeder said. “Especially something that’s actually fun to use and helps you get better.”

St. Thomas men’s golf will enter the spring season with a MIAC-best No. 18 national ranking and a chance to climb in those rankings thanks to top-notch training equipment.

Jake Remes can be reached at reme7110@stthomas.edu.