Craig VanHorn was a three-year golf standout for Central Oklahoma in the early 1990s. A consistent tournament challenger throughout his career, Craig was a two-time All-Lone Star Conference and All-South Central Region selection who capped his career by earning All-America honors.
VanHorn finished in the top 10 in eight of 10 tournaments with one win for the Bronchos in 1990-91 and came back the next year with seven top-10 showings in 11 events with one victory. Craig placed fifth in the 1992 Lone Star Conference Tournament and earned an at-large bid as an individual into the NCAA Division II Golf Championships in South Carolina.
In his final round as a Broncho, VanHorn fired a sizzling five-under-par 67 to rally for an eighth-place national finish and secure All-America status. He became the first UCO golf All-American in more than a decade.
In this week's installment of our look back at some of Central's past athletic greats, here's a brief conversation with Craig VanHorn
How did UCO prepare you for success: UCO taught me how to manage myself and my time between classes, golf practices and tournaments.Â
Â
Favorite memory at Central: Definitely when I was in South Carolina at the National Tournament and Skip (coach and athletic director Skip Wagnon) told me on the 18th green that I had played my way into being an All-American.Â
Best thing about going to UCO: The best thing about going to Central was the friends I made while I was there. Some that are still going strong today.Â
 Â
Who were your favorite professors, coaches, etc: My favorite was without a doubt John "Skip" Wagnon. He was like a father to me. He kept me engaged as I was not the best student. He could make you laugh when you were having a rough go of things. He had a lot on his plate being the athletic director along with golf coach, but always had a one liner to help get you back on track. I miss him every day.
 Â
If you could give advice to a current student-athlete at UCO, what would it be: Put your head down and don't skip classes. Put your all into your sport. Don't undervalue the importance of your degree you're obtaining. You may be good enough to play sports professionally, but you won't make it if you don't put in the hard, smart work.Â
Career path: My career has kind of been all over the place. I played professional golf right after school in 1992. Mini tours at the time. Played the Nike tour in '94-95. Took a job at Tinker in 1999 and got my amateur status back. Turned pro again in 2005. Worked in the oilfield for a while in sales and directional drilling. Also drove and dispatched for a trucking company. Currently I am playing the APT TOUR in preparation for next year's season. I turn 50 in October so I don't have to play against these young kids anymore. LOL!!!!
Â
Where do you currently live: Wewoka, Okla.
Family:Â I am married to my soulmate, Shelle, and we have five kids (Cooper, Colton, Kelsey, Carli and Cole), ranging from 17-27.
