Inside Athletics | 6/17/2026 8:00:00 AM

Hunter Jurica spends his days studying numbers and his afternoons chasing them on the golf course.
 
As a captain on the Saint Francis men's golf team for the past three seasons, he has built quite the portfolio. Head coach Jonathan Kulas is excited to have Jurica back for his senior season.
 
"Having a player with his experience, leadership, and competitive mindset is invaluable for our team during this transition to NCAA DIII. He understands what it takes to compete at a high level," Kulas said.  "He brings a calm, steady presence to the team and has played an important role in helping establish the culture and standards we want within our program."
 
A double major in finance and business analytics, Hunter likes solving problems that have definitive answers. Yet the biggest investment he made during his college career is one that cannot be measured.
 
It came through faith.
  
"Ever since I came here, I have become a completely different person in such a good way," Hunter said. 
 
Hunter admits growing up he wasn't very religious. He believed in God, but his time on campus sparked an interest in wanting to learn more about the Catholic Church. Fr. Jason Wooleyhan, who teaches business analytics, helped him connect his academic pursuits with his growth in faith.
 
"I have always been 'faithful' in some way," Hunter said.  "My girlfriend is Catholic, and she would go to Mass on Sundays, so I started going with her. As I came to better understand the faith, I wanted to become Catholic and deepen my own faith. Fr. Jason then connected me with Father Will to begin the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) process."
 
This process was finished in the spring, as Hunter received the Sacraments of Penance, Communion, and Confirmation.

   

Coach Kulas has witnessed his golfer's journey and has a tremendous amount of respect for the commitment he made.

"What stands out most is the consistency in his character," Kulas said. "Whether he is competing, in the classroom, or interacting with others day to day, he approaches things with humility, integrity, and a positive attitude. He is someone younger players can look up to because of the example he sets both personally and academically."
 
Hunter also credits his coach and professors for helping him find balance. Between classes and his time on the golf course, Hunter is a member of the Saint Francis University Investment Club. The group actively manages a $120,000 diversified stock portfolio. The hands-on experience has allowed Hunter to better understand market trends and helped him land an internship with 84 Lumber. This summer, he will assist with the company's financial planning and analytics efforts.
 
"As a coach, you always appreciate talented players, but you value even more the type of person they are when nobody is watching," Kulas said. "Hunter has been an outstanding representative of Saint Francis University, and I think the maturity and leadership people see from him are a direct reflection of who he is off the golf course as well."
 
Hunter is set to graduate in 2027. As he prepares for his final season as a member of the Red Wolves, Hunter says he is taking time to appreciate the time he has left on campus.

"I have become a person I'd never thought I'd ever become. From my freshman year to now I've matured and now feel prepared for what's ahead of me in life. I also have met so many amazing people that have also helped me grow."