If we were developing a model for a prototype ESU student I may have interviewed one on Saturday Morning SportsTalk last Saturday.
Marcus Erkel grew up in Arizona and came to Emporia State from Pima Community College in Arizona back when Brian Embery was the Hornet baseball coach. Now he didn’t exactly distinguish himself on the baseball field, but he did find a wife, a career and a home.
Marcus agreed Saturday morning the odds of him staying in Emporia were like a thousand to one.
The story is Marcus met and married Mandy Ledford an Emporia girl. They have two children and she is an insurance executive. He is an ESU graduate and taught in our public schools for three years.
Marcus’ opportunity at the golf course came after the untimely death of Rich Jaggard. Erkel is in the PGA’s development program and will be a full fledged PGA Pro before long.
More importantly Marcus is doing a super job with Emporia golf. His shop is well stocked; his staff is courteous, well informed and capable. He is willing to work with any and all to make the golf course available for events. The Kansas High School Activities Association loves Emporia and holds many tournaments here.
Marcus is working hard to build golf in Emporia. Note: Starting New at Golf or SNAG for youngsters starting at 4 years of age! They use oversized clubs and balls; bright colors and music to introduce kids to the sport and it’s only $10 for a three day class.
Then there’s Junior Golf which doubled in size this year. Family Days are Sunday at three and they allow the whole family to play golf for one fee. Marcus offers private or group lessons and there is a weekly Lady’s Day and Men’s Night and lots of different tournaments for the competitive types.
Marcus also suggested he was a willing “babysitter” at the golf course. That would be for youngsters old enough to take care of themselves that wanted to spend most of a day at the course. I think its $8.50 to play all day.
This is kind of a “Feel Good Friday” on Wednesday, but Marcus Erkel is succeeding in making golf and the Emporia Golf Course a real asset to our community. For that we say “thank you Marcus.”
