Men's Golf | 8/27/2025 11:25:00 AM

Burnsville, Minn. – The NSIC conference office also released the NSIC Men's Golf Preseason Coaches' Poll on Wednesday afternoon. After a top-five finish at the NSIC Championships a season ago, the Golden Eagles were picked to finish sixth in the NSIC in 2025-26.
 
Winona State and Concordia-St. Paul, the reigning NSIC Champions, were each selected first and second respectively, while both received the same amount of first place votes. Minnesota State, Bemidji State and Augustana round out the top five. Minnesota Crookston was just three points behind Augustana for the top-five.
 
Winona State golfer Peyton Coahran was selected as the Preseason Player of the Year in the Northern Sun.
 
Junior Andrew Wilhem (Jr., Fargo, N.D.) was selected as the student athlete to watch for the maroon and gold. Wilhelm was outstanding a year ago, averaging a score of 74.9, including a career-low of 68, which he shot at the Mule to open the season. Wilhelm has three of the five lowest scores in program history, two of which occurred last season.
 
Heading into his eighth season at the helm of the Golden Eagles, Brad Heppner is thrilled to have Wilhelm leading the way.
 
"Andrew has been one of our top players for the past two years and has consistently had one of our top scoring averages. Andrew is a great leader and leads by example during practice, tournaments and in the classroom. I look forward to watching him succeed during his junior year here at the University of Minnesota Crookston."
 
Besides Wilhelm, the Golden Eagles feel like they have a team that can compete in the Northern Sun. Marc Bofarull Balleste (Jr., Barcelona, Spain), who was named to the All-Tournament team a year ago, is back after shooting a 69 and 68 in the final two rounds of the NSIC Championships. Fellow junior Connor Czirjak (Jr., Calgary, Alberta) is also returning after averaging a score of 76. Gannon Walsh (Sr., Belgrade, Minn.), Carson Shultis (Sr., Fargo, N.D.) and others will look to be consistent for the Golden Eagles.
 
Newcomers Jaime Martinez Guimon (Fr., Getxo, Spain) and Jack Justesen (So., Hawley, Minn.), who is a transfer from Minnesota State, should make a large impact, as well.
 
"I'm really excited about this year's team as I believe we have added some nice players to go along with our returners. I feel that our team chemistry and our depth are two of our greatest strengths and will push us to get better every day and prepare us to succeed.
 
Minnesota Crookston opens the season at the Bemidji State Invitational on Sept. 8-9.