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University of North Carolina Athletics
Q&A With Men's Golfer Barden Berry
May 13, 2008 | Men's Golf
May 13, 2008
TarHeelBlue.com sat down with senior Barden Berry of the men's golf team to to discuss the team's bid to the NCAA West Regionals in Bremerton, Wash.. In addition, Berry, a native of Kinston, N.C., opened up about practical jokes and what the future has in store.
TarHeelBlue:
Congratulations on your bid to the NCAA Regionals! How does it feel? What was your reaction?Barden Berry: We were really excited that we didn't have to finish our season at ACCs. We wanted to keep on going and it's exciting that we're going out to the West Regional because a majority of us have never been to Seattle. So it will be a new experience and lots of fun.
THB: And hopefully not a lot of rain.
Berry: Yeah, we're thinking it's going to be cold and rainy but we'll try to make the most of it, bring some rain gear. It won't be too bad.
THB: You all had a great showing at the ACCs. Coach Inman was very proud of your accomplishments. But what has the team been working on in preparation your Regional appearance?
Berry: It changes for each person. Personally, I've been trying to work on my long irons. My driving wasn't as great as it could have been at ACCs. For me, those are things, just trying to hit it straighter and keep the ball in play. Some other guys might have a few putting issues, but hopefully we've got a little time to work on things and get everything together for Regionals.
THB: What tips has Coach Inman offered?
Berry: With golf, it's so individualized. He's been working with us individually on our swings. He's given me a few technical things for my swing that he and I have been working on. I've been working on reading greens with Chase [MacFarland] on our team and a few technical aspects that we're working on individually.
THB: How is it traveling with your teammates? Do you play a lot of practical jokes on one another?
Berry: Yeah, we usually have a lot of fun. When we're in the van we usually bring along the Super Nintendo to hook up in the van to get some Super Mario Cart races going. There's always something super competitive. We'll play some card games, some video games. Chase is about due for another practical joke so probably we'll work on one for him this trip.
THB: He's about due? Does that mean Chase is usually the target for most of your practical jokes?
Berry: Chase is about the nicest guy you'll ever meet, a little naïve so sometimes we'll try to take advantage of him. We have to have one in the makings for this trip I feel like.
THB: You were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa this spring. Congratulations! What advice do you have for other student-athletes who are trying to balance the aspects of being an athlete and the demands of a heavy academic load?
Berry: Going to class helps tremendously I'd say because you already have to miss enough class being on the road. I've always just tried to make sure I go to class when I'm in town. You obviously have to do some work when you're on the road. Just keep your teachers informed of when you're going to be gone. Most professors here, if you tell them that you're going to be gone because you're playing on a sports team, they are usually willing to work with you and are understanding. I think it's a matter of trying to stay on top of things throughout the semester and not letting it all build up and try to do it all at the end since we're so busy. Try to get it all done.
THB: What is your major?
Berry: Psychology.
THB: So, what's in store for Barden Berry after graduation?
Berry: I think I'm going to come back next year and try to take more science classes and try to get into medical school.
THB: With this being your last season playing golf for UNC, can you describe your experience in one word?
Berry: How about a phrase?
THB: Sure!
Berry: I'd have to say `too short?'
THB: Why is that?
Berry: While I've been here it's been the most fun four years of my life. I can't believe how fast it goes by. If I could be here and start all over as a freshman, I would do it in a heartbeat.
THB: I think a lot of students would agree with you on that one. Is there anything you would like to say to your teammates as far as what's to come next week in Regionals?
Berry: Get ready for us to have a great tournament because we've been working hard all year. We really will be playing some good golf. So let's go and make a lot of birdies.
THB: Do you have a message for the men's golf supporters who keep up with the team on TarHeelBlue.com?
Berry: Thank you very much to the people that follow us. I really appreciate everyone that say they've seen me on the website or have seen the team on the website. It means a lot to have people following us.
THB: Well thank you very much for allowing us to catch up with you and best of luck in Seattle!
Berry: Thank you.
Senior Barden Berry, has been a starter in all of Carolina's tournaments this year, carding four top-20 finishes. Berry is a 2007 Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar and was recently inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Also, this spring he received the Athletic Director's Scholar-Athlete Award and the McCaskill Award which is presented one UNC male and one UNC female who demonstrates excellence in athletics, scholarship and community service. He was selected to the 2006 and 2007 All-ACC Academic Men's Golf Teams and has earned a spot on the ACC Honor Roll the last three years (2005-07).
North Carolina was one of 27 teams to receive a bid to the NCAA West Regional that will be played May 15-17 in Bremerton, Wash. The 54-hole event will be played at the Gold Mountain Golf Club, a par 72, 7,111-yard layout.
