It was a bittersweet week for Beau Hossler.
Hossler, a junior at Texas from Mission Viejo, was named winner of the Fred Haskins Award as the best men’s college player in the nation, and also underwent surgery for a left shoulder injury that might have cost the Longhorns the NCAA Championship.
“This is such an honor,” said Hossler, who became the fifth Longhorn to win the Haskins Award. “I really can’t put into words the work and effort I have put in, but this really would not have been possible without everyone on my team, whether in Texas or California. It’s a huge honor to represent them.
“It’s really special to see guys like Phil Mickelson and Ben Crenshaw, guys like that (who won the award). Maverick McNealy (of Stanford), one of my good friends, won last year, obviously had a tremendous season and backed it up with another amazing season. To be on that list with those guys is a tremendous honor.”
Hossler claimed five victories this season and won his matches in the quarterfinals and semifinals of the NCAA Championships, but sustained a torn labrum in his left shoulder in the latter.
The next day, he was forced to concede his match in the finals against Oregon and the Ducks went on to beat Texas for the title, 3-2.
“It’s a relatively minor surgery, but it’s something that I need to get done,” said Hossler, who is expected to be out of action until early October. “I made a decision that is best for the 30-year career I have in front of me, hopefully.
“I’m confident that I have a lot of trust in my doctor and that he’s going to do the right thing and get me on track. I promise you I will work my butt off in rehab to get back as soon as possibly, but at the same time I’m not going to be coming back until I’m 100 percent.”
Longhorns who won the Haskins Award previously were Ben Crenshaw in 1971-72-73, Bob Estes in 1987, Justin Leonard in 1994 and Brad Elder in 1997.
