Oklahoma Christian University men’s golf achieved runner-up status in the NCAA Division II National Championships this past May. Tying their best finish since becoming an NCAA program, the Eagles competed in the championship match on May 20, 2022, and lost to Lee University 4-1. This made for Lee’s first national championship.
After advancing to the NCAA Finals match play, Oklahoma Chrisitian beat University St. Louis and the No. 1 seed Central Missouri before playing for national runner-up. Head coach and Oklahoma Christian Athletic Director, David Lynn, was beyond proud of his team and described the postseason run as a dream come true.
“I could not be more proud of the heart and fight our guys showed that week,” Lynn said. “As a coach, it was extremely rewarding to see all their hard work pay off; unfortunately, Lee was just a little bit better that day.”
Oklahoma Christian qualified for the NCAA Central-West regional tournament by finishing third in the Lone Star Conference. Placing fourth in the regional tournament allowed the team to qualify for nationals.
“Qualifying for the NCAA regionals and advancing to nationals is our yearly goal,” Lynn said. “We strive everyday to capitalize on those opportunities when we have the chance.”
Oklahoma Christian achieved NCAA division II status in the 2015-2016 season. Previously, men’s golf had won three national championships in NAIA and the NCCA. This year’s finish is Oklahoma Christian’s second time in their NCAA era, placing runner-up in 2016 as well.
“This team accomplished so much in one year and set a new standard for OC golf in the NCAA era.” Lynn said.
The national tournament took place in Detroit, Michigan, at the TPC Michigan golf course. While a difficult course, Coach Lynn said it fit the team’s style well, adding to the confidence they had going into the week.
“Our trip to Detroit was fantastic,” Lynn said. “We arrived at an extremely difficult TPC Michigan, which fit our eyes to a T.”
Osari Nikku, Alejandro Armijo, Mateo Pulcini, Andres Brictson, and Exequiel Rodriguez represented Oklahoma Christiain in the national championship. Brictson and Pulcini were both named to the Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar list for division II.
“It was an experience I will never forget,” Pulcini said. “Being in contention for a national championship was really cool, not many people can say they have played for one.”
The fifth year senior Brictson also achieved Mr. Eagle honors, Oklahoma Christians best male athlete, for the 2021-2022 season.
“His playing to going out and win all three matches was incredible and I am so proud with the way he finished his career,” Lynn said. “What a fine career he has had.”
The success of the 2021-2022 season has boosted the confidence of the program moving forward . Only one of the five golfers who played for the championship match are not returning this upcoming season. With Nikku and Rodriguez going in as sophomores and Pulcini going into his junior year, the future is bright for the Eagles.
“I’m really excited to try to repeat what we did this year,” Pulcini said. “Only we are looking to win the final round.”
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