Spring Hill College Golf 2016

2016-17 GOLF

GOLF PREVIEW 2016-17

The Spring Hill College (SHC) men’s and women’s golf teams entered a new era two years ago when they transitioned from the NAIA to NCAA Division II, but men and women’s head coach Steve Hodges is pleased with the way his players have adapted to the changes. “The change in affiliation was exciting for our players,” Hodges says. “We have faced a new level of competition and tested ourselves against some of the top players in the nation while proving that we belong.”

For the men’s side, Hodges welcomes back his most experience squad in many years as the team boasts seven seniors in its roster. Michael Abram from Carnlough, Ireland, joins Ryan Carney of Birmingham, Ala., John Culotta of New Orleans, La., David Kirkman of St. Louis, Mo., Grant Luisi of Dallas, Texas, Jesse Redman of Spanish Fort, Ala., and Sheldon Statkewicz from McGill-Toolen Catholic School in Mobile. Wesley Hunter out of St. Luke’s Episcopal School in Mobile will redshirt this season in preparation for the 2017-18 season.

The junior class of Badgers this year features Thomas Allen and Hugh Corbin of Dallas, along with Samuel Jones from Hinsdale, Ill., Kalle Nilsson of Gavle, Sweden, and Thomas Ruli from Mandeville, La., who all look to continue to make their marks on the college links.

John Taylor Evans of Semmes, Ala., James Guisinger of Troy, Mich., and Joseph Mraz of Woodstock, Ga., highlight a talented sophomore class that enjoyed a very successful freshman campaign in 2015-16. Two freshmen also joined the Badger squad this summer as Neil Daly of Chicago, Ill., and Matthew Johnson from Stevenson, Ala., both have bright futures ahead in the collegiate careers.

“Nisson, Ruli, Abram, Kirkman and Redman appear to be our starting five in the early stages,” says Hodges. “But Corbin, Luisi, Allen

and Johnson will give them serious competition before each tournament. Our starting five might be different at each match at the four and five slots this year because players will have to earn their slots each week.”

The women moved into the Gulf South Conference (GSC) two years ago and Hodges admits that there have been some adjustments. “The GSC is one of the top women’s golf conferences in the country,” he says. “We were used to solid competition coming from the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC), but the ladies in the GSC are even better. Our team has some great leadership, however, and we’ll compete in every event this year.”

Spring Hill’s ladies are a very young squad this year with three juniors leading the charge. Sara Crinnion of St. Louis, Christine Grzesiak from Naperville, Ill., and Margaret Nelson of Kansas City, Mo., will be the team-leaders this year while sophomores Alexa Shelton from St. Louis and Hannah Vines of Rogersville, Ala., will each play serious roles in the SHC fortunes this season.

Savannah Ennis of Abita Springs, La., and Kayley Robinson from Faith Academy in Mobile joins Katelyn Woods of Gulf Shores, Ala., in a trio of highly touted freshmen that look to learn the ropes of NCAA golf while making their contributions in 2016-17.

“Our starting five will be young this year,” says Allen. “Grzesiak, Vines, Shelton and Nelson will be joined by Wood, but all of the women’s team will have a shot to make the line up at some point. Ennis, Robinson and Crinion are right on their heels.”

The new season brings new challenges for both Badger golf teams, but they are excited to open the year. “If we approach the game with the correct mindset, we’ll be fine,” says Hodges. “You have to stay focused and complete the task in front of you at the moment if you want to be successful day-in and day-out in this division.”

COACHING STAFF

Steve Hodges - Head Coach Men’s 21st year, Men/ Women’s 9th year

Steve Hodges begins his 21st year as the head coach of the men’s golf team at Spring Hill College. An A-12 member of the PGA of America elected in 1995, Hodges has led Spring Hill to nine appearances in NAIA National Championships and four Top Ten finishes with four Region XIII Championships. In 1996, he mentored the Men’s Individual NAIA National Champion, Keith Hoard. Hodges served as the President of the NAIA Men’s Golf Coaches Association in 2002 and has been named NAIA Region XIII Coach of the Year four times. Hodges also served as head coach of the SHC women’s golf team and resumed the reins of that team in September 2015.

Chuck Balsamico - Assistant Coach Men’s Assistant Coach – 2nd year

Chuck Balsamico joined the Badger staff in 2015 after a successful four-year career on the Badger squad as a player from 2007-2011.

Mary Lu Duffy - Assistant Coach Women’s Volunteer Coach – 1st year

Mary Lu Duffy joined the Badger staff as a volunteer coach in August 2016. An LPGA/TCP Class A Golf Professional, she is also certified Class I by the United States Golf Teachers Federation and has been through USGA/PGA Rules School. Duffy has been teaching golf for 35 years and is a Spring Hill College alumna. She holds an M.A. in Journalism from the University of Mississippi and was a news editor around the South for 25 years.

GENERAL FACTS

Institution: Spring Hill College

City/State/Zip: Mobile, AL 36608

President: Christopher Puto, Ph.D.

Founded: 1830

Enrollment: 1,496

Nickname: Badgers

School Colors: Purple, white School Website: shc.edu/about

Home Facility: Spring Hill Golf Course

Par 72; Yardage 6665; Rating 71.8; Slope 126 (men)

Par 72; Yardage 5625; Rating 67.5; Slope 116 (women)

Affiliation: NCAA Division II

Conference (men): Southern Intercollegiate Athletic

Conference (women): Gulf South

Athletic Director: Jim Hall

Alma Mater: Grinnell College, 1995

Compliance: Chad LeBlanc

Senior Woman Administrator: Alison Sellers-Cook

Faculty Athletic Representative: Steven Aldridge, Ph.D.

Athletic Department Phone: 251-380-3485

Athletic Department Fax: 251-460-2196

Sports Information Director: Jim Stennett

Alma Mater: Mississippi State, 1990

SID Phone: (251) 380-4468

SID Email: jstennett@shc.edu

Athletics Web Site: www.shcbadgers.com

Facebook: SHCBAGDERS

Twitter: SHCBADGERS

Instagram: SHCBADGERS

COACHING STAFF

Men’s/Women’s Head Coach: Steve Hodges

Years at school: 20

Email: shodges@shc.edu

Office Phone: (251) 380-4655 or 4699

Assistant Coach: Chuck Balsamico (1 year)

Strength & Conditioning Coach: Justin Goonan

Head Athletic Trainer: Brian Gronewold, ATC

Office Phone: (251) 380-3493

WOMEN’S TEAM INFORMATION

2015-16 GSC Finish: 7th of 7 teams

Golfers returning/lost/new: 5/4/3

MEN’S TEAM INFORMATION

2015-16 SIAC Finish: Ineligible due to NCAA transition

Golfers returning/lost/new: 16/3/2

WOMEN’S 2016-17 ROSTER

Player

Class Exp. Hometown/Previous School(s)

Sara Crinnion Jr 1L

Christine Grzesiak Jr. 1L

Margaret Nelson Jr 1L

Alexa Shelton So. 1L

Hannah Vines So 1L

Savannah Ennis Fr. HS

St. Louis, Mo./Incarnate Word Academy

Naperville, Ill./Naperville North HS

Kansas City, Mo./Notre Dame de Sion

St. Louis, Mo./Oakville Senior HS

Rogersville, Ala./Lauderdale Co. HS

Abita Springs, La./St. Scholastica Academy

Kayley Robinson Fr. HS Mobile, Ala./Faith Academy

Katelyn Wood Fr. HS

Gulf Shores, Ala./Thompson HS

WOMEN’S 2015-16 RESULTS

Sept. 28-29, 2015 – Union University Invitational held at Jackson Country Club, Jackson, Tenn. (Par 72, Yardage 5995) Team: 4th of 5 teams (379, 394, 773, +197) Individuals (out of 28): t18, Hannah Vines 85, 98, 183, +39; 21, Alex Shelton 96, 95, 191, +47; 22, Christine Grzesiak 95, 98, 193, +49; t23; Maggie Nelson 103, 103, 206, +62; 25, Lauren Kasuda 104, 103, 207, +63.

Oct. 5-6, 2015 – Badger Shootout held at Spring Hill Golf Course, Mobile, Ala. (Par 72, Yardage 5810) Team: 2nd of 2 teams (366, 354, 720, +144) Individuals (out of 16): 2, Alexandria Ryalws 84, 81, 165, +21; 8, Hannah Vines 89, 89, 178, +34; t9, Christine Grzesiak 93, 88, 181, +37; 13, Maggie Nelson 10, 96, 196, +52; 15, Lauren Kasuda 113, 96, 209, +65; Individuals: 12, Alex Shelton 96, 98, 194, +50; 16, Sara Crinion 113, 114, 227, +83.

Oct. 12-13, 2015 – Lady Flames Shootout held at Cleveland Country Club, Cleveland, Tenn. (Par 72, Yardage 5810) Team: 8th of 8 teams (356, 366, 722, +146) Individuals (out of 45): 33, Christine Grzesiak 86, 85, 171, +27; 35, Hannah Vines 86, 90, 176, +32; Alex Shelton 94, 97, 191, +47; 44, Lauren Kasuda 103, 94, 197, +50; 45, Alexandria Ryals 90, WD.

Feb. 22-23, 2016 – 2016 USA Women’s Spring Invitational held at Azalea City Golf Course, Mobile, Ala. (Par 72, Yardage 5929) Team: 9th of 9 teams (364, 381, 369, 1114, +250) Individuals (out of 51): t42, Alexandria Ryals 77, 80, 88, 245, +29; 46, Christine Grzesiak 85, 83, 83, 251, +35; 49, Alex Shelton 101, 98, 96, 295, +79; 50, Sara Crinion 101, 120, 102, 323, +107; 51, Maggie Nelson WD.

Mar. 7-8, 2016 – Spring Hill College Badger Invitational held at Magnolia Grove Crossings Golf Course, Mobile, Ala. (Par 72, Yardage 6012) Team: 4th of 5 teams (348, 353, 708, +111) Individuals (out of 28): t10, Alexandria Ryals 85, 83, 168, +24; 12 Christine Grzesiak 85, 85, 170, +26; 15, Hannah Vines 88, 85, 173, +29; t19, Alex Shelton 91, 86, 177, +33; 25, Laruen Kasuda 90, 90, 180, +36; Individuals: 27, Maggie Nelson 97, 98, 195, +51.

Apr. 4-5, 2016 – Argonaut Invitational held at Marcus Pointe Golf Course, Pensacola, Fla. (Par 72, Yardage 6036) Team: 18th of 18 teams (375, 350, 363, 1088, +224) Individuals (out of 96): t80, Alexandria Ryals 84, 85, 88, 257, +41; t85, Hannah Vines 92, 85, 90, 267, +51; 91, Christine Grzesiak 98, 86, 90, 274, +58; 95, Alexa Shelton 101, 94, 98, 293, +77; 96, Lauren Kasuda 110, 100, 95, 305, +89.

Apr. 17-19, 2016 – Gulf South Conference Championships held at RTJ School Master Course, Muscle Shoals, Ala. (Par 72, Yardage 5955) Team: 7th of 7 teams (356, 354, 348, 1058, +194) Individuals (out of 38): t26, Christine Grzesiak 81, 87, 83, 251, +35; 28, Alexandria Ryals 88, 88, 84, 260, +44; t31, Alexa Shelton 92, 89, 96, 277, +61; t31, Hannah Vines 95, 90, 92, 277, +61; 33, Lauren Kasuda 98, 96, 89, 283, +67.

MEN’S 2016-17 ROSTER

Player Class Exp. Hometown/Previous School(s)

Michael Abram Sr SQ Carnlough, Ireland/St. Killians College/Mobile

Ryan Carney Sr. SQ Birmingham, Ala./John Carroll Catholic

John Culotta Sr SQ New Orleans, La./Jesuit HS

Wesley Hunter Sr. 1L Mobile, Ala./St. Luke’s Episcopal

David Kirkman Sr 1L St. Louis, Mo./Lutheran HS South

Grant Luisi Sr. 1L Dallas, Texas/Jesuit College Prep

Jesse Redman Sr. 1L Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort HS

Sheldon Statkewicz Sr. 1L Mobile, Ala./McGill-Toolen Catholic HS/Auburn

Thomas Allen Jr SQ Dallas, Texas/Jesuit College Prep

Hugh Corbin Jr SQ Dallas, Texas/Jesuit College Prep

Samuel Jones Jr SQ Hinsdale, Ill./Hinsdale Central

Kalle Nilsson Jr. 1L Gavle, Sweden/Polhemskolan

Thomas Ruli Jr 1L Mandeville, La./St. Paul’s

John Taylor Evans So. SQ Semmes, Ala./Baker HS

James Guisinger So SQ Troy, Mich./University of Detroit Jesuit HS

Joseph Mraz So. SQ Woodstock, Ga./Blessed Trinity Catholic HS

Neil Daly Fr. HS Chicago, Ill./St. Rita of Cascia HS

Matthew Johnson Fr. HS Stevenson, Ala./ North Jackson HS

MEN’S 2015-16 RESULTS

Sept. 28-29, 2015 – Union University Invitational held at Jackson Country Club, Jackson, Tenn. (Par 72, Yardage 6816) Team: 1st of 8 teams (295, 289, 584, +8)

Individuals (out of 46): 1, Wesley Hunter 71, 70, 141, -3; 4, Sheldon Statkewicz 73, 73, 146, +2; t5, Thomas Ruli 76, 71, 147, +3; t13, Grant Luisi 75, 75, 150, +6; t34, Kalle Nilsson 81, 76, 157, +13; Individuals: t16, David Kirkman 72, 79, 151, +7.

Oct. 5-6, 2015 – Badger Shootout held at Spring Hill Golf Course, Mobile, Ala. (Par 72, Yardage 6665) Team: 1st of 5 teams (293, 287, 580, +4) Individuals (out of 45): 1, Kalle Nilsson 70, 73, 143, -1; 3, Sheldon Statkewicz 72, 73, 145, +1; 4, Grant Luisi 76, 71, 147, +2; 5, Wesley Hunter 78, 70, 148, +4; 11, Thomas Ruli 75, 79, 154, +10; Individuals: 6, James Guisinger 74, 75, 149, +5; t8, Jesse Redman 79, 74, 153, +9; t8, David Kirkman 77, 76, 153, +9; 16, Gerry Portela 80, 78, 158, +14; t20, Colton Blagrove 81, 80, 161, +17; Mathieu Jonz 81, 80, 161, +17; t26, Samuel Jones 83, 80, 163, +19; t26, JT Evans 81, 82, 163, +19; t 29, Joseph Mraz 85, 79, 164, +20; t35, Ryan Carney 87, 82, 169, +25; t35, Samuel Carr 84, 85, 169, +25; 44, Ryan Ruff 99, 99, 198, +54; 45, John Culotta 101, WD.

Oct. 19-20, 2015 – TVA Credit Union Invitational held at Turtle Point Yacht & Country Club, Killen, Ala. (Par 72, Yardage 7133) Team: 12th of 15 teams (305, 301, 305, 911, +47) Individuals (out of 74): t22, Wesley Hunter 78, 71, 75, 244, +8; t16, t32, Thomas Ruli 73, 77, 77, 227, +11; t42, Grant Luisi 76, 76, 78, 230, +14; t54, Kalle Nilsson 78, 78, 79, 235, +18; t59, Sheldon Statkewicz 84, 77, 75, 236, +19.

Oct. 26-27, 2015 - MACJC Event No. 4 held at Grand Bear Golf Club, Gulfport, Miss. (Par 72, Yardage 6741) Team A: t1st of 14 teams (297, 280, 577, +1) Individuals (out of 75): 1, Wesley Hunter 72, 68, 140, -4; t2 Kalle Nilsson 75, 66, 141, -1; 9, David Kirkman 74, 75, 149, +5; 14, Sheldon Statkewicz 80, 71, 151, +7; t22, Grant Luisi 76, 79, 155, +11; Team B: 10th of 14 teams (324, 318, 642, +66) Individuals: t25, Jesse Redman 79, 77, 156, +12; t35, Gerry Portela 77, 82, 159, +35; t49, Samuel Jones 84, 82, 166, +22; t49, JT Evans 89, 77, 166, +22; 57, Jamie Guisinger 84, 86, 170, +26; Team C: 11th of 14 teams (328, 318, 646, +70) Individuals: t19, Colton Blagrove 78,76, 154, +10; t37, Joseph Mraz 81, 79, 160, +16; t37, Samuel Carr 82, 78, 160, +16; t60, Mathieu Jonz 87, 85, 172, +28; 67, Ryan Carney 89, 85, 174, +30.

Feb. 13-14, 2016 – FSCC Elizabeth Kling Memorial held at Rock Creek Golf Course, Fairhope, Ala. (Par 72, Yardage 6920) Team A: 1st of 8 teams (300, 293,

593, +17) Individuals (out of 42): 1, Wesley Hunter 75, 67, 142, -2; t5, Sheldon Statkewicz 77, 74, 151, +7; 7, Jesse Redman 75, 77, 152, +8; 10, Thomas Ruli 78, 75, 153, +9; t14, Kalle Nilsson 73, 82, 155, +11; Team B: 5th of 8 teams (310, 317, 627, +51) Individuals: t10, Colton Blagrove 76, 78, 154, +10; t10, Jamie Guisinger 79, 75, 154, +10; t22 Samuel Jones 80, 80, 160, +16; t29, David Kirkman 79, 84, 163, +19; 42, Grant Luisi 76, WD.

Feb 22-23, 2016 - University of South Alabama Individual Tournament held at Magnolia Grove Falls Golf Course, Mobile, Ala. (Par 72) Individuals (out of 35): 2, Wesley Hunter 69, 70, 68, 207, -6); t15, Sheldon Statkewicz 78, 74, 71, 223, +10.

Mar. 7-8, 2016 – Spring Hill College Badger Invitational held at Magnolia Grove Golf Course, Mobile, Ala. (Par 72, Yardage 7160) Team: 1st of 9 teams (300, 294, 302, 896, +32) Individuals (out of 55): t3, Wesley Hunter 79, 71, 72, 222, +6; t5, Sheldon Statkewicz 75, 75, 75, 225, +9; t5, Jesse Redman 75, 77, 225, +9; t7, Kalle Nilsson 75, 73, 78, 226, +10; t20, Thomas Ruli 77, 78, 79, 234, +28; Individuals: t7, Colton Blagrove 74, 74, 78, 226, +10; t20, JT Evans 82, 75, 77, 234, +18; t24, Jamie Guisinger 78, 76, 84, 238, +22; t26, David Kirkman 81, 78, 80, 239, +23.

Mar. 14-15, 2016 – Carey Collegiate Classic held at Canebrake Country Club, Hattiesburg, Miss. (Par 72, Yardage 6817) Team: 3rd of 10 teams (290, 290, 580, +4) Individuals (out of 62): 4, Sheldon Statkewicz 71, 70, 141, -3; t10, Thomas Ruli 72, 73, 145, +1; t13, Jesse Redman 73, 74, 147, +3; t15, Wesley Hunter 74, 74, 148, +4; t23, Kalle Nilsson 77, 73, 150, +6; Individuals: t2, Grant Luisi 71, 69, 140, -4; t7, Colton Blagrove 74, 70, 144, Even; t15, Jamie Guisinger 75, 73, 148, +4; t31, David Kirkman 72, 82, 154, +10; 45, JT Evans 80, 76, 156, +12; t50, Joseph Mraz 80, 80, 160, +16; 56, Ryan Carney 85, 79, 164, +20, 62, Samuel Jones 83, 85, 168, +24; 67, John Culotta 94, 98, 192, +48.

Mar. 28-29, 2016 – University Golf Classic held at RTJ Fighting Joe, Muscle Shoals, Ala. (Par 72, Yardage 7126) Team: 8th of 14 teams (305, 285, 302, 892, +28) Individuals (out of 84): 7, Wesley Hunter 73, 70, 73, 216, Even; t23, Sheldon Statkewicz 80, 73, 71, 224, +8; t26, Thomas Ruli 75, 73, 77, 225, +9; t40, Jesse Redman 78, 69, 82, 229, +13; t59, Kalle Nilsson 79, 75, 81, 235, +19.

Apr. 4-5, 2016 – Argonaut Invitational held at Tiger Point Golf Course, Gulf Breeze, Fla. (Par 72, Yardage 7026) Team: 10th of 15 teams (308, 301, 297, 906 +42) Individuals: t24, Wesley Hunter 79, 74, 71, 224, +8; t44, Sheldon Statkewicz 81, 71, 72, 224, +8; t46, Thomas Ruli 75, 79, 77, 231, +15; t55, Grant Luisi 79, 77, 77, 233, +17; Jesse Redman 75, 82, 79, 236, +20; Individuals: 82, David Kirkman 83, 87, 87, 257, +41; 83, Samuel Jones 89, 85, 88, 262, +46.

2016-17 SCHEDULE

Date Event Site

Men

Sept. 12-13

Sept. 26-27

Oct. 3-4 Badger Shootout Mobile, Ala. - Spring Hill Golf Course

Oct. 17-18

Feb. 13-14

Feb. 27-28 Badger Invitational

Apr. 3-4 UWF Argos Invitational Pensacola, Fla.

Women

Sept. 12-13

Sept. 26-27

Oct. 3-4

Oct. 17-18

Shootout Mobile, Ala. - Spring Hill Golf Course