Hoskins Making The Chip Shot To Bloomington
By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews
WARSAW – Callen Hoskins has played among some of the top amateur golfers in the country. Now, he’ll get to take his shots on the big stage at the collegiate level.
Hoskins announced he has committed to Indiana University to continue his golf and academic careers.
The senior from Warsaw Community High School isn’t a stranger to big time golf, having played in some of the top amateur tournaments across the country. Among a tremendous résumé for Hoskins includes entries in the Indiana Junior Tour, Master Tour, Golfweek Junior Tour, Florida Junior Tour, and he carries fully exempt status on the AJGA tour. His game has taken him all across the United States to play.
At the prep level, Hoskins has firmly cemented himself into the No. 1 spot for the state-ranked Warsaw boys golf program. Hoskins was a sectional runner-up as a freshman in what would start a state run for the Tigers. Warsaw finished tied for 14th in the state finals in 2019, Hoskins shooting a 76-80-156 to tie for 31st best in the state in his rookie season.
After COVID wiped out his sophomore prep season, he returned as a junior to help Warsaw to its second consecutive Northern Lakes Conference team championship, and later was the sectional medalist with a 70 in helping the Tigers to the sectional championship. His season came to an abrupt halt a week later at the regional, where his 77 left him outside the top five as Warsaw also fell off the pace and out of the state tournament.
Hoskins was an All-State performer last spring, and continued to gain experience with a series of high-profile tournaments this past summer.
“There were certainly times where I felt like I was missing out on activities with my friends back here in Warsaw, but every opportunity to play in a different state at premier golf courses reminded me what I was working for,” said Hoskins. “I have made a lot of sacrifices as have my parents. Their support and encouragement have been instrumental in the process. I’ve always dreamed of playing golf at the highest levels and I know making my way to Bloomington under coach Mayer’s leadership will develop my game for the years beyond college. I am so thankful. Go Hoosiers!”
The Hoosiers, led by head coach Mike Mayer and associate head coach Corey Ziedonis, won the 2020 Big Ten Match Play championship and made an appearance at the NCAA Regionals last spring, finishing ninth out of 14 teams. The roster contains four from the Hoosier state, the closest to Warsaw being senior Mitch Davis from Valparaiso.
“I couldn’t be more excited.” says Hoskins. “Coach Mayer and coach Ziedonis are building a powerhouse Big Ten program. The brand new PFAU golf course, the short game facilities, the workout centers, nutrition programs, and everything about Hoosier men’s golf is first class.”