April 29, 2005

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Andrew Ruthkoski (Muskegon, Mich.) has lived up to the expectations he set for himself in high school before he became a Michigan State golfer. Over the last four years, he has worked his way into the Spartan record book in all individual categories. By far, the most impressive statistic is his career stroke average which ranks second all-time in school history at 74.23.

This weekend (April 30-May 1), Ruthkoski will compete in the 38th annual Fossum/TaylorMade Invitational at Forest Akers Golf Course as Michigan State's No. 1 golfer.

Q: How does it feel to know that the 38th Annual Fossum/TaylorMade Invitational is the last home tournament of your career?
A: I'm looking forward to it because my family is coming. It will just be fun because it's my home course, and it's in good shape right now.

Q: What is your favorite golf memory in college?
A: Going to Rhode Island for the Adams Cup. The lobster is really good there, because they pulled it out of the ocean the day we eat it.

Q: Is there one team that you enjoy playing against?
A: Not really. I just enjoy playing, because you're playing against the best five kids the other team has to offer. I always just look forward to playing in every tournament.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give the younger members of your team?
A: Go out and work hard every year, even though you may not feel like you're regressing. Work hard, and when your time is up here at Michigan State, you'll look back and feel like you accomplished something.

Q: What is one thing that you will always remember from your days at MSU?
A: Probably just the conversations we've had here over the years, and some of the funny things that have been said.

Q: What do you plan to do after graduation?
A: I'm going to turn pro at the end of June in the Michigan Open, and then just try and play as many pro events as I can.