On the links with Erica Borson

Erica Borson is the lone female golfer competing for Cook County High School. Erica, daughter of Peter and Nichole Borson, will graduate this spring from Cook County. Her father was a standout athlete for Cook County where he starred in basketball and football for the Vikings in the mid 1980s.

In class Erica is best known for her talkative nature and her ever-present smile. I sat down this week to ask Erica about golf, her future, and her memories of a childhood in Cook County: When did you first start playing golf?

It started with Grandpa. He played golf a lot and when I was in sixth grade he asked me if I wanted to learn and that is how it all started. From there I started golfing in the junior golf program at Superior National.

How long have you been golfing for Cook County High School? I started my junior year.

Erica Borson What is it like going to golf meets and being the only female from Cook County at the course?

Honestly, it was a little intimidating at first. In my first meet last season, I was trembling so bad I could hardly hold my club. I pulled off a good shot though; one of the best of the day. This year as a senior, I have learned not to care about how good everyone else is. This has allowed me to just have fun and enjoy the game. It is a plus in some ways because Mr. Steinbach has had more time to spend helping me on my game.

Growing up in the West End can have its disadvantages for an athlete. Has it been hard living so far from the school? I have been making the trip into Grand Marais every day since I was three years old when I first started with Sterling dance. As I have gotten older, it has

become easier as I have been able to drive myself around.

What are your plans for next year?

I plan to attend

the University of Wisconsin- Superior in the

fall. I am going to major in English and want to pursue

career in writing.

So, maybe we will see a novel about golf on the North Shore?

Probably not. I plan on being the next William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare? That’s pretty deep.

It will happen. Just wait and see.

What is one of your best experiences on the golf course?

When I birdied hole #2 on the River course of Superior National.

Can your mom or dad golf? Absolutely not.

So, I should take on your dad for money?

Go for it.

What will you remember most about CCHS?

Probably that I was just always myself. Having fun and laughing with my friends.

Your dad was my childhood next-door neighbor. Do you want to hear some really good stories?

Yes, please!

Maybe we’ll save that for another article!

Mitch Dorr, a Cook County High School Class of 1993 graduate, is now a social studies teacher and coach at his former alma mater. Mitch coaches Vikings football and boys’ basketball.