As the Valparaiso men's golf team prepares to defend its Horizon League Championship crown this weekend, the Crusaders learned Thursday evening that two players had earned postseason awards from the league. Senior Kyle Henning (Brookfield, Wis./East) earned a spot on the All-Horizon League squad for a second straight season, while freshman Peter Webb (Madison, Wis./James Madison Memorial) became the first Crusader to be tabbed Horizon League Freshman of the Year.

“What a great evening for Valparaiso Crusader golf!” said Crusader head coach David Gring.  “Kyle and Pete have played solid and steady for us all year long.  The two of them are very deserving of these league awards, and it's an honor and pleasure to coach the two of them!”

Henning enters the Horizon League Championship on pace to set a new program single-season scoring average record, coming into the weekend with a 74.2 average. The senior earned a pair of top-10 finishes on the year, including two weeks ago in a very competitive field at the Bluegrass Invitational. Henning shot par or better in six of his 24 rounds on the year, including twice matching his career-low round of 68.

“Kyle followed his All-League award from last year with an even better year on the course this year,” said Gring.  “His work ethic and talent are exemplary, and his leadership is evident on the golf course and in the classroom.”

During his freshman campaign, Webb was one of two Crusaders to compete in every tournament. His 74.8 scoring average ranks ninth among all Horizon League golfers and leads all league rookies, and would rank third in a single season in Crusader history. A two-time Golfer of the Week, Webb twice matched the program record for single-round score by posting a round of 67, and also set a new program 54-hole scoring record earlier this season in just his second career tournament.

“Pete has played every tournament for us this year and his performance as a freshman has been quite admirable,” said Gring.  “Out of high school, there is always a level of adjustment to start playing at the Division I level.  Pete's transition has been laudable, and we are very proud of him.”

Henning and Webb comprise two-fifths of the squad which will attempt to bring home a second consecutive league crown. The duo will be joined this weekend by senior Thomas Wettstein (Neenah, Wis./Xavier) – last season's individual medalist at the league tournament, junior Joe Harris (Washington, Iowa/Washington) and redshirt sophomore Jared Magoline (Fond du Lac, Wis./Fond du Lac [Marquette]).