Jay Cottam, an Assistant Professional at Awarii Dunes golf course in Axtell, Neb., is in his second year working with the Loper women's golf team.
The Hebron native is a decorated high school and collegiate golfer, having starred at Thayer Central High, UNK and Nebraska-Lincoln. He also was the 2017 Nebraska Golf Association Amateur Match-Play Champion.
Cottam spent the spring of 2019 player for the Huskers, having a 73.42 season stroke average. Among his highlights was going a team-best 3-1 on day two of the Big Ten Match Play tourney in Palm Coast, Fla., placing fourth at the Husker Invite (1-over 143), and tying for 16th at the Big Ten Championships (221).
He set numerous records and won many honors in three years as a Loper. His 73.16 stroke average in 2017-18 set a new school record with his career average of 74.79 ranking fourth in program history. A two-time All-MIAA selection, Cottam holds the UNK mark for lowest 36-hole score (140) while ranking in the top 11 for both 18 and 54 hole scores. Off the course he was a 2017 MIAA Scholar Athlete and a two-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll qualifier.
At Thayer Central, Cottam was the 2015 Class C state medalist thanks to winning a three-hole playoff. He carded a birdie on the second extra hole. Two years earlier he was state runner up to help the Titans win the team state tile. Finally, Cottam was the 2014 Class D state runner up in leading his team to another state title.
