“In order for us to win our sixth consecutive conference championship we will need to hit our target score of 295 or better both days,” said Pete Stevens, Eagles Head Coach. “If David McGregor and Oliver Hudak can shoot par or better both days and the rest of the team shoot around 75 or better we will win. This year’s team is stronger than last year's and we are the team to beat.”

 

Post University is still anchored by senior David McGregor, a three time CACC Golfer of the Year. He has been the medalist in every conference championship tournament he has competed in. McGregor came only two strokes from winning the CenturyLink Invitational hosted by Barton when he shot three under par this fall against nationally ranked opponents.

 

In the fall season, the Eagles played against stiff competition earning a national ranking of 54th. At one point the team was ranked as high as 52nd.

 

McGregor is the only senior on the team and his biggest challenge may come from within. The combination of Oliver Hudak and Ross Earnshaw are ranked 18th nationally among freshmen in NCAA Division II with an average round score of 75.62. Post University is the only school located in the northeast to have freshmen ranked among the top 25.

 

“The ‘young guns’ have brought a certain edge to the program that was missing in years past,” added Stevens. “They are good competitors and are serious about taking their game to the next level. The fall season was an eye opener for some because they had the opportunity to see first hand just how competitive this program is on the national level.”

 

Hudak had a stellar fall season including shooting three under par at the Nova Southeast Shark Invitational that was held in West Palm Beach, FL in October. He placed 12th overall only five strokes out of the top spot and had the lowest average score among his teammates in the fall.

Earnshaw has shown promise as well after an eighth place effort in the Northeast Intercollegiate Tournament in September and a 21st place finish at the CenturyLink Invitational.

 

Sophomore Thomas Rees, who has one season under his belt and finished eighth last season in the conference tournament, is also back. In the fall Rees shot an average of 75.41, with his low round coming in the season opening Rutgers Invitational.

 

The Eagles have four solid competitors in McGregor, Hudak, Earnshaw and Rees however, the team has not yet solidified the roster with a fifth man. Newcomer Cody Ek shot an average of 78 in three rounds. Ek was a medalist three times during his senior year of high school and is a tournament hardened golfer.

 

“Cody Ek is not too far behind (Hudak and Earnshaw) and I am looking forward to him to contributing in the spring season,” commented Stevens.

 

Marchant di Villier could also be a threat for the fifth spot on the team’s roster after playing 12 rounds with an 80.9 stroke average and is the most seasoned golfer among those competing for a spot on the roster. His low round of the fall was a 76 at the CenturyLink Invite.

 

“Hopefully, the experience gained in the fall will instill the necessary confidence required to be a champion,” said Stevens. “If they go into the spring with the swagger of a champion we will see some very good results and perhaps a chance to compete for a national championship.”

 

Post University will begin the spring season with a trip to New London, NC for the Pfeiffer John Palmer Invitational February 21-22.