Men’s golf team wins 2008 MIAA Championship

By virtue of today's finish at the final league jamboree at the Milham Park Golf Course, the Olivet College men's golf team captured the 2008 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Championship and earns an automatic berth to the 2009 NCAA Division III National Championships. The Comets won their first league championship since 2002 and their 19th overall championship. It is also Head Coach Gary Morrison's 17th league championship, making him the winningest men's golf coach in MIAA history.

In the final seasonal standings, Olivet bested Hope College by 25 strokes, 2,395-2,420. Trine University was third (2,425), followed by Albion in fourth (2,465), Calvin in fifth (2,513), Adrian in sixth (2,536), Kalamazoo in seventh (2,556) and Alma in eighth (2,586).

In addition, senior Brock Gleadall (Stratford, Ontario/St. Michael's Catholic), freshman Drew Lasky (Marshall) and senior Justin Lesansky (LaSalle, Ontario/International) have earned first-team All-MIAA honors with their placements in the MIAA seasonal standings. Senior Eric Ross (Burlington, Ontario/International) has earned second-team All-MIAA honors.

In today's round, Olivet posted a 312 team score to finish seven strokes behind Trine. Albion and Hope tied for second with a 312. Gleadall was the tournament medalist with a two-under par 70. Lesansky shot a 75 to tie for fourth-place. Sophomore Nick Harless (DeWitt) had an 83. Lasky and Ross each fired an 84.

The national championships will be take place at the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

NOTES: Gleadall became a three-time All-MIAA golfer, as he earned first-team honors in 2007 and second-team honors in 2006. After earning second-team honors in 2006 and 2007, Lesansky earned first-team honors for the first time in his career. Ross is now a two-time All-MIAA golfer, as he was a first-team honoree in 2007.