There's an old adage that the third time is the charm.
In the case of golfer , that couldn't be more true.
After being the so called "bridesmaid' for the last two years when it comes to being best golfer in the SWC, Aussem's hard work finally paid off. He was named the 2011 golfer of the year for his efforts thus far.
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"Freshman year and sophomore year I had lost by one," Aussem said. "It feels good to finally get the title, especially after losing by one"
Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer once said, "What other people may find in poetry or art museums, I find in the flight of a good drive."
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It's pretty much the thinking of the Avon Lake standout.
But why golf, which takes hours of practice and tons of patience? Well, Aussem took up the game of golf at the age of eight. He started with drive chip challenges and eventually progressed to where he is today, which is one of the elite golfers in Northeast Ohio.
"I started at the age of eight doing a drive chip challenge, and although I didn't win, I went down to the finalists," he said with a laugh. " I said then, hmm, I like this sport and the next year I won the boys player of the year. I love winning."
That attitude drives his spirit on the course. Unlike many who struggle to accept challenge, Aussem is all about winning.
"That's what motivates me, I always want to win, and I always want to shoot under par," Aussem said. "I set goals of 67 or 68. Why would I want to go out there and say I want to shoot over par. I think that is how most people shoot."
With the regular season complete and the second season upon them, Aussem has one sight in mind, a return to the Ohio State University Scarlet course in Columbus for the state golf championships Oct.14-15.
"I am shooting for there," Aussem said. " I got a taste of it my freshman and sophomore year, and hopefully I can go back a third time, because last year was kind of a disappointment. I didn't have the best week, the greens were fast, I just want to go back and I want to win."
Aussem is also hoping his Shoremen can make a return to Columbus for the state tournament. Last year as a team they finished 13th overall.
“We have a lot of good players who have stepped up this year," Aussem said. "I think this year was our year. I don't think a lot of people to expected Zach (Sharb) and Andrew (Lombardi) to step up and that has been helpful."