SIOUX FALLS -- University of Sioux Falls Men's Head Golf Coach
Tavia Rutherford has announced the signings of golf standouts James Clark of Lamar, Colo., and Cole Harste of Glenwood, Minn., who will both continue their academic and athletic careers at USF. Both Clark and Harste will be incoming freshman at USF.
"I am excited to bring in the athleticism, drive, and competitiveness that the two of these young men (James Clark and Cole Harste) will add to our program," said Rutherford, who is in her second season as USF Head Coach. "They both exemplify what it means to be a Cougar through both their academic achievements and on-course performances. Being multi-sport athletes, I am excited to see what James and Cole can accomplish when they devote their full attention to golf. Both are respectful, passionate and hard-working individuals who I believe will continue to foster the culture of our men's golf program," Rutherford added.
A four-sport standout at Lamar High School, Clark registered 17 wins in golf with a scoring average of 75.1. Three times, he was named all-state in golf. A four-time Tri-Peaks All-Conference performer in golf, he lettered three times in basketball and track and twice in baseball.
Clark, who plans to major in business at USF, was a shooting guard in basketball, played second base in baseball and was involved in the sprints and jumps in track and field at Lamar High School. A four-year academic letter winner and DECA member, he is the son of Bo and Emily Clark. He has a sister, Cassy.
"James has a history of winning and even set a record for being the first Lamar player to win all of their four home tournaments. He has shown that he can compete at a high level and I know he will be able to come in right away and make an impact in the NSIC," said Rutherford. "His passion for the game, work ethic, and driven attitude will be a great addition to our program. I look forward to what he can accomplish here at USF in the future."
Harste is a three-sport standout from Minnewaska Area High School in Glenwood, Minn. In golf, he is a four-time letter winner heading into his senior season. Harste, who is a two-time All-West Central Conference performer, has been part of a conference team champion twice. While his junior season was canceled due to the CoVID-19 pandemic, he registered a 79 tournament average as a sophomore when he placed third in the conference and helped lead his school to a league title. As a freshman, Harste, a four-time Academic All-West Conference honoree, had an 81 tournament average and placed fifth in the conference as an individual. As an eighth grader, he also was part of a conference championship team which placed second at sections.
In high school, he was involved in the Business Professionals of America, Choir, National Honors Society, and 4-H. Harste was a two-academic all-district honoree in football and also academic all-league in baseball. His service work includes volunteering for the Pope County Food Drive, his church, Someplace Safe and with blood drive. The son of Dion and Teriann Harste, he has a brother Alex and sister Emily, who plays golf at Briar Cliff. Harste plans to major in business at USF.
"The first time I spoke with Cole I knew that he'd be a great fit for USF and our golf program," said Rutherford. "He loves being around golf and strives for excellence in all that he does. He understands course strategy and knows how to effectively navigate around a golf course. Cole's work ethic in the classroom and on the course will be a huge asset to our program. I am excited to see the success he will have here at USF."
Clark and Haste join a USF Men's Program that finished fifth at the NSIC Championships (2019-19). In 2019-20, the Cougars were top-three in three of six tournaments with a team win at the Augustana Invite before their season ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
