Chaps Ranked No.16

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - For the first time in program history, Lubbock Christian University's men's golf program is nationally ranked, as they are ranked No.16 in the NAIA Men's Golf Coaches' Top 25 Poll.

Oklahoma Christian leapfrogged 10 spots from its preseason ranking to the No. 1 spot in the first regular season poll, the national office announced Friday. The Eagles earned seven first-place votes for 536 points, edging second-ranked Savannah College of Art and Design’s (Ga.) six first-place votes and 533 points. Third-ranked Holy Names (Calif.) was awarded five first-place nods for 511 points. Preseason No. 1 Oklahoma City and South Carolina – Beaufort round out the top five at fourth and fifth, respectively.

The Eagles were not the only team to have a large leap in the poll. California Baptist was ranked 23rd in the preseason poll and checks in at No. 12. Wayland Baptist (Texas) fell 10 spots to No. 24 from the preseason poll.

With six ranked teams, the Sooner Athletic Conference boasts the most ranked squads in the poll. Representing the SAC is: Oklahoma Christian, Oklahoma City, No. 11 Oklahoma Baptist, No. 16 Lubbock Christian (Texas), Wayland Baptist and No. 25 (tie) Southern Nazarene (Okla.). The Sun Conference has five teams garnering national ranking.

The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences, independents and unaffiliated groups. The next poll will be announced on March 26.

Others receiving votes: Northwood University (Texas) 80; Saint Ambrose University (Iowa) 79; Point Loma Nazarene University (Calif.) 63; Shorter College (Ga.) 59; Saint Thomas University (Fla.) 53; Southwestern College (Kan.) 36; Madonna University (Mich.) 33; University of the Southwest (N.M.) 29; William Woods University (Mo.) 27; Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho) 19; Tennessee Wesleyan College 15; Thomas University (Ga.) 12; Cornerstone University (Mich.) 11; Marian University (Ind.) 7; University of St. Francis (Ill.) 6; Milligan College (Tenn.) 3; Reinhardt College (Ga.) 1; Minot State University (N.D.) 1; Spring Hill College (Ala.) 1; Davenport University (Mich.) 1; Dakota Wesleyan University (S.D.) 1; Morningside College (Iowa) 1; Union College (Ky.) 1; Webber International University (Fla.) 1.