The Valparaiso men’s golf team broke multiple records in round one of the Golfweek Program Challenge on Sunday, as the Crusaders paced themselves to sole possession of first place after 18 holes.

The team shot a 273 as a group in the opening round, good for 15-under-par and a three-stroke lead over second place Gardner-Webb. The team total of 273 was ten shots better than the previous Crusader record of 283, which was set a year ago at the same tournament.

“It was a special day, and the guys played with great confidence and determination,” said Crusader head coach David Gring.  “We had an excellent practice round yesterday and I was thoroughly impressed with how much relaxation and concentration that the guys demonstrated today.  During our practice round, we discussed playing smart with quality course management, along with the importance of hitting fairways and greens.  The team's execution of shots was exemplary, along with the ball striking.”

Crusader team records weren’t the only ones to fall though, as Jared Magoline (Fond du Lac, Wis./Fond du Lac [Marquette]) broke individual records in overall score and relative to par during an 18-hole round with a 65 and a -7, respectively. Magoline hit 17 of 18 greens on Sunday in his record-setting round and needed just 26 putts to complete the circuit.  Peter Webb (Madison, Wis./James Madison Memorial) also placed himself within the top ten of both those categories, as he carded a round of 68, -4 relative to par.

First place doesn’t come without a total team effort, and the Brown and Gold turned one in today, as four out of the five Crusaders who teed off shot under par. Along with Magoline and Webb, Eric Winters (Elgin,Ill/Saint Edward) shot a 70, good for two-under-par, as did Nick Seitz (Xenia, Ohio/Carroll). Joe Harris (Washington, Iowa/Washington) rounded out the total team effort with a three-over 75.

“The entire team played well throughout their summer tournaments, along with the qualifying rounds to start our season,” said Gring. “The team brought a lot of confidence to this event coming off our first tournament of the year.  We had a lot of fun out there and we are looking forward to the second round tomorrow.”

The Crusaders will try to hold onto first place as they head into action during day two at True Blue Golf Course in Pawley’s Island, South Carolina on Monday.  Live stats can be found at valpoathletics.com.