Anthony Imburgia, recent Eastern graduate and Panther golfer, was recently named ESPN the Magazine First Team Academic All-American. The honor comes after leading EIU golfers in the Spring season with a 74.2 stroke average and earning eight top-25 finishes including a first place win at the Kauai Collegiate in Hawaii. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Imburgia also closed out the spring semester with a 4.00 GPA as a pre-dentistry major. The Daily Eastern News spoke to Imburgia via telephone about his achievements and his future in golf.

What was your reaction to being named first team Academic All-American?

I was surprised, to be honest. I felt like there’s not only a lot of good golfers but a lot of good athletes out there that are pretty smart so I was surprised but very honored.

What kind of response have you gotten from family and friends?

My Dad went nuts. We printed off the article from Eastern’s website and we’re trying to get a copy for my grandparents. I don’t know how to explain it really. Everybody was really excited. My Dad told me it would be something I will remember forever and a great way to cap off my Eastern career.

How do you find time to study while conditioning for competition?

Honestly, it was tough. The golf team travels mostly on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. We travel a lot, but Eastern’s professors were very understanding and good about letting me make up stuff. Between studying and preparing for golf it wasn’t easy. My friends kind of hated me sometimes because it seemed like I never had anytime to do anything. My mom tells me that I didn’t get the real college experience, but looking back, I think it was worth it.

What are your plans now that you are out of school?

I start classes at dental school in Indianapolis July 5 for four years. I’m kind of excited and nervous at the same time about it. It’s going to be a lot of work so I might not have much of a life. It’ll be tough, but I’m excited.

Do you plan on pursuing golf any further?

I’d say yes. It just depends on how much time I’ll have with dental school. I’m already cramming in my fourth tournament of the summer. I’m exempt from the Illinois State Amateur tournament. It takes so much time to prepare for a tournament so it’s hard to say.

What do you feel were some of the highlights from your time at Eastern?

Well, to be honest, being named Academic All-American was a huge honor, and getting into dental school. Also, winning the Kauai cup in Hawaii over Spring Break would definitely be towards the top of the list. It was an awesome trip and to top it off I won the tournament at the end by three shots I think.