Next up on our 'Cougar Spotlight' series as the Highland golf team prepares for the NJCAA D2 Championships is Riku Moriyama.  Riku earned All American honors last year finishing 7th in the nation at the 2022 NJCAA National Tournament.  Riku was the Region 4 medalist the past 2 years.
 
Tell us a little about where you are from in Japan.   Tell us about your family back home.
 
I am from Kobe. It is located about an hour by plane from Tokyo. My family consists of three members, my Father, Mother and myself.
 
Why and how did you choose Highland?
 
Athlete USA, a recruiting service that introduced me to Coach Norman and Highland Community College.
 
Has it been challenging to get used to living in the United States and Freeport?
 
It didn't take long for me to get used to life in America, but I struggled with English.
 
What are the biggest obstacles you have faced at Highland?
 
Some of my classes have been challenging.   After all, classes in English, which I was not used to, were difficult and I struggled with some of the assignments.
 
Please share your background in golf.
 
I have been playing golf for about 10 years
 
Tell us about your practice and tournament routine.
 
In practice, I try not to neglect basic practice. After that, I check my swing and practice various things, but the most important thing is not just to practice, but to practice while thinking about how to practice to win the tournament.
For the tournaments, I warm up, practice the basics, and check my senses while hitting the ball.
 
What are your goals here at Highland with golf as you wrap up your 2 years at Highland?
 
Win the national championship.
 
How do you think Highland will do at the National Tournament?
 
I don't know.  I think it would be good for the team to pass the qualifying round.
 
What are your plans after Highland?
 
I'm currently in contact with the NCAA D1 colleges, so it would be nice to go to one.