Men’s golf team captures team title at MIAA Jamboree #1

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -- The Olivet College men's golf team began its pursuit of a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) championship with a first-place finish today at the MIAA Jamboree #1 at the Bedford Valley Country Club in Battle Creek. Individually, sophomore Justin Ardelean (Owosso) earned medalist honors with a two-under par 69.

The Comets posted a MIAA course record 289 team score to beat second-place Trine (Ind.) University by six strokes. Hope was third at 303, followed by Adrian (305), Calvin (306), Albion (308), Kalamazoo (318) and Alma (319).

Ardelean's 69 included an eagle on the par 5, 512-yard 10th hole. Junior Cameron Sich (Saginaw/Frankenmuth) tied for fifth in the player standings with a one-over par 72. Freshman Nick Julian (Clinton Twp./Chippewa Valley) was a stroke behind with a 73. Senior Nick Harless (DeWitt) needed 75 strokes to complete his round and freshman Ryan Bailey (Battle Creek/Lakeview) had a 79.

"The guys are so focused and dedicated right now," said Head Coach Kevin Allard. "Everyone of them worked hard during the summer to improve and their game is outstanding right now. Today, they came ready to play and did a great job. Justin had an incredible round with everything coming together for him."

The MIAA champion is awarded to the school finishing with the lowest cumulative strokes in all eight league jamborees. The second jamboree is next Wednesday, Sept. 15, at the Medalist Golf Club in Marshall.