Men's golf plays division I tournament as preparation for NCCAA championship

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The Eagles golf team competed on a higher level on Oct. 13-14 as they participated in the Bill Ross Intercollegiate Tournament, an NCAA Division I event.

Golf Head Coach David Lynn said he looks for these challenges for his players so they might grow in experience and knowledge of what competition is like in the bigger schools.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to get outside the box and play against some different schools,” Lynn said.

The preparation proved successful as the Eagles placed seventh out of 16 division I teams with an overall score of 616.

According to freshman Chase Esparza, round one of the tournament may have proven difficult, but it didn’t break the team’s spirit.

“The first day was definitely a grind. The weather conditions were extremely tough, but overall we played decent today,” Esparza said. “My team and I have kept our composure, mental edge, and as the days pass our bonds get stronger to one another.”

Junior Sam Johnston led the Eagles with a tie for sixth place after shooting 75 and 74 for a total of 149. At the beginning of round two, Johnston was named the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association men’s golf student-athlete of the week for the second time this season, and his sixth time in his collegiate career.

Senior Jared Consoli wasn’t far behind, firing a 78 and a 73 to finish up in a tie for 11th place at 151.

Zac Schaefer (77-81) and Esparza (78-80) represented Oklahoma Christian University’s freshman class as they tied for 43rd place with 158 total strokes.

Junior Kevin Workman rounded out Oklahoma Christian’s five players with 160 after rounds of 79 and 81, finishing in a tie for 82nd place, though his first round’s score was later disqualified.

“I think the guys are a little tired, to be honest,” Lynn said. “We played tired this past week, but that’s just part of the challenge of being a student-athlete in general. I’m really looking forward to playing the tournament and then getting about 10 days off just to rest and then prepare for the NCCAA Nationals.”

The Eagles will complete their fall season at the NCCAA Championship in Panama City, Florida on Oct. 27.