Springfield, Ohio – Not only did Wittenberg University men’s golf post its best finish ever in the 2015 NCAA Division III Tournament, but the Tigers achieved at a high level in the classroom as well, earning a Team Academic Award from the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA). 

The Tigers are among 169 teams in NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA and NJCAA Division I and II that compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. Thirty-four of the teams recognized compete in NCAA Division III, including five North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) members. 

The 10 student-athletes in the Tiger men’s golf program posted a cumulative GPA of 3.05 for the 2014-15 school year. Five of them posted a GPA above 3.2 in the spring semester, led by Dean’s List honorees John Chaney (Gates Mills, Ohio/Gilmour Academy) and Mark David Wright (Westerville, Ohio/Tree of Life). 

"The young men in the Wittenberg golf program are well-round, and it’s nice to see them recognized for their academic accomplishments," said Head Coach Jeff Roope. "Their efforts in the classroom and on the course prepare them well for graduation, and I feel they are prepared to make a significant contribution to the world. It’s nice to be on this list, and it’s also nice to see so many other NCAC teams on it as well." 

Wittenberg won its sixth straight NCAC Championship Series in 2015 to earn a sixth consecutive berth in the NCAA Division III Tournament. Wittenberg finished a program-best third in the 2015 NCAA Division III Tournament in its 21st appearance in the national competition, in addition to a berth in the 1974 NCAA College Division Tournament. 

The Tigers finished first in seven of their 11 tournaments in the 2014-15 regular season, including wins in four straight competitions to close the campaign. The last two tournament victories combined to give the Tigers the NCAC Championship Series title by 24 strokes over runner-up Kenyon.

Written By: Ryan Maurer