FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has announced its first-ever Men’s Golf Preseason Poll, with Trine University narrowly edging Hope College for the top spot heading into the 2025-26 season. The Thunder collected 12 points and four first-place votes, while the defending champion Flying Dutchmen received 13 points and three first-place votes. Calvin University followed in third with 16 points and the final first-place vote.
The preseason poll marks the first time MIAA men’s golf programs have been ranked before the start of the season.
1. Trine University – 12 points (4 first-place votes)
Trine enters 2025 after placing second in the league last season with a 297.67 average. Sophomore Jack Besner made an immediate impact in his debut year, earning First Team All-MIAA recognition with a 73.83 average. Senior Garrett James also returns after landing on the All-MIAA First Team with a 74.33 average, while fellow senior and two-time All-MIAA honoree Carter Schnipke matched that mark to earn First Team honors of his own. Jake Bilby will be back after bolstering the Thunder’s lineup with a 75.67 average and Second Team recognition in his first year of collegiate competition.
2. Hope College – 13 points (3 first-place votes)
Hope captured the 2024-25 MIAA Championship with a league-best 294.17 average. Head coach and Hope alum Scott Lokers, entering his ninth season, was named MIAA Men’s Golf Coach of the Year for the second-straight season.
Senior Liam Casey, a three-time All-MIAA honoree, headlines the roster after placing second individually in the league last year with a 72.17 average. Casey was also the MIAA Most Valuable Men’s Golfer in 2023-24. Senior Patrick Michael, a two-time All-MIAA selection, is back after earning Second Team honors in 2024-25 with a 74.83 average. Sophomore Will Thomas also contributed with a 75.17 average to secure Second Team All-MIAA honors in his debut season.
3. Calvin University – 16 points (1 first-place vote)
Calvin finished third in the league last season with a 298.33 average. The Knights bring back senior leaders Jack Marzolino, who averaged 74.00 for First Team All-MIAA recognition, and Matt Turcotte, who posted a 74.33 average for First Team honors as well. Junior Ethan Tiller added depth with a 75.33 average and a spot on the All-MIAA Second Team.
4. Adrian College – 25 points
Adrian placed fourth last season with a 301.50 average. Sophomore Carter Klawonn emerged as one of the Bulldogs’ top performers, earning Second Team All-MIAA honors with a 75.67 average. Junior Jaden Eggers also adds experience to the lineup after averaging 81.00 in 2024-25.
5. Albion College – 30 points
Albion rounded out the top five in 2024-25 with a 308.83 average. The Britons will be led by senior Blake Wagner (76.33) and junior Camden Paul (77.17), along with senior Ryan Knitter, who averaged 77.67 and received the 2025 MIAA Sportsmanship Award.
T6. Alma College – 40 points
Alma landed in sixth after finishing the 2024-25 campaign with a 319.00 average. Senior leaders who will headline the roster include Andrew Skellenger (81.25) and Alex Bates (81.67), both consistent presences in the Scots’ lineup.
T6. Kalamazoo College – 40 points
Kalamazoo finished seventh in the standings last year with a 323.00 average. Junior Emiliano Alvarado Rescala returns after pacing the Hornets with a 76.67 average, while senior Nick Coseo provided veteran stability with an 82.50 mark.
8. The University of Olivet – 48 points
Olivet posted a 323.50 average last season and begins a new era under head coach Nito Ramos, who most recently coached the men's and women's golf teams at Siena Heights University. The Comets will be led by junior Brady Applegate (79.00), along with senior Mitchell Bair-Pollard (83.40) and sophomore Bradon Ellis (83.83).
Looking Ahead
The 2025 MIAA men’s golf season includes four fall jamborees on September 15, September 25, October 4, and October 13, followed by a two-day Spring Finale. The regular-season champion will be determined by the lowest average across all six rounds, earning the conference’s automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship. This year’s national championship will take place May 12-15 at the Mission Resort + Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.