The Flying Dutchmen will use their spring schedule of five tournaments as a tuneup for the NCAA Division III championships. By winning the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) championship last fall, coach Bob Ebels' Dutchmen will be headed to the NCAA tournament for the 10th time in school history. Nationals will be held May 11-14 in Hershey, Pa.

Last fall the Flying Dutchmen laid claim to the MIAA championship for the ninth time in 11 years. Senior Steven Strock (Grandville, Mich.) captured league medalist honors for the second straight year and was joined on the All-MIAA first team by teammates Charlie Olson, a freshman from Suttons Bay, Mich., and Nick Campbell, a sophomore from Saline, Mich. For the season, Strock averaged 73.7 strokes per 18-hole round while Olson ended at 74.1 and Nick Campbell 74.25. Other Hope golfers who qualified for the final MIAA seasonal standings were junior Chris Ansel of Zeeland, Mich. (Zeeland East HS), 77.4 average, and sophomore Andy Thomson of Beaver Dam, Wisc. (Central Wisconsin Christian HS), 80.1 average.

The Flying Dutchmen are champions of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) for the ninth time in 11 years.

Sealing the title at a season-ending tournament on their own home course, coach Bob Ebels' Flying Dutchmen finished 41 strokes ahead of the field. The team gained the championship with consistent play, taking first in three of the eight conference tournaments and finishing third or higher in the rest. The Flying Dutchmen set an MIAA course record at the Milham golf course in Kalamazoo. The championship is the 14th in school history.

As MIAA champions, the Flying Dutchmen qualify for the NCAA Division III tournament next spring.

Senior Steven Strock (Grandville, Mich.) captured league medalist honors for the second straight year and was joined on the All-MIAA first team by teammates Charlie Olson, a freshman from Suttons Bay, Mich., and Nick Campbell, a sophomore from Saline, Mich. Campbell was an All-MIAA second team honoree in 2008.

For the season, Strock averaged 73.7 strokes per 18-hole round while Olson ended at 74.1 and Nick Campbell 74.25. His seasonal average (73.7) was the ninth best in Hope school history.

Other Hope golfers who qualified for the final MIAA seasonal standings were junior Chris Ansel of Zeeland, Mich. (Zeeland East HS), 77.4 average, and sophomore Andy Thomson of Beaver Dam, Wisc. (Central Wisconsin Christian HS), 80.1 average.

Ansel had an individual highlight when he shot a hole-in-one on the 11th hole (208 yards, par 3) at the Bedford Valley Country Club on Sept. 8. It was only the fourth hole-in-one in modern-day MIAA history and the second by a Hope golfer. The other was by Jay Prasad in 1997 (Duck Lake GC, 5th hole, par 3, 115 yards).

Other members of the team included freshman John Cannon of Traverse City, Mich. (Traverse City West HS); freshman Auastin Farah of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. (Southfield Christian HS), sophomore Chris Harwood of Westfield, Ind. (Brebeuf Prep); sophomore Caleb Nykamp of Holland, Mich. (Holland Christian HS); freshman Adam Peplinski of Cedar, Mich. (St. Mary's HS); and sophomore Scott Webster pf Ada, Mich. (Linfield, Calif. Christian HS).

Flying Dutchmen Capture MIAA Championship
MIAA Standings
The Flying Dutchmen are champions of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) for the ninth time in 11 years.

Sealing the title on their own home course Wednesday, the Flying Dutchmen finished 41 strokes ahead of the field. Senior Steven Strock (Grandville, Mich.) captured league medalist honors for the second straight year and was joined on the All-MIAA first team by teammates Charlie Olson, a freshman fro Suttons Bay, Mich. and Nick Campbell, a sophomore from Saline, Mich.

Albion won the season's final tournament by six strokes over the host Flying Dutchmen. The tournament medalist was Andy Wolf of Trine at 69 strokes. Leading Hope was Steven Strock with a 35-35--70. Scores of other Hope golfers were Nick Campbell 36-38--74, Charlie Olson 39-37--76, Chris Ansel 40-37--77 and Andy Thomson 42-44--86.

For the season, Strock averaged 73.7 strokes per 18-hole round while Olson ended at 74.1 and Nick Campbell 74.25.

Flying Dutchmen Widen Lead in MIAA Race (10/8/09)
The Flying Dutchmen expanded their lead in the MIAA race by finishing second but 15 strokes ahead of challenger Calvin in the season's seventh tournament held Thursday at The Medalist golf course in Marshall.

Host Albion won Thursday's round at Albion 300 followed by Hope 309, Adrian 310, Olivet 319, Trine 322, Calvin 324, Kalamazoo 326 and Alma 334. With one tournament remaining, coach Bob Ebels' Dutchmen have a 29 stroke lead over Calvin.

The season's final tournament will be next Monday when Hope hosts a makeup round at the Wuskowhan Players Club. A Sept. 28th round hosted by Hope at Wuskowhan was cancelled midway through play because of torrential rain and wind.

Hope is bidding for its sixth MIAA championship in the last seven years and the ninth since 1999.

Sharing Medalist honors Thursday at 73 strokes were Albion's Zach Benedict and Mark McLaughlin. Leading Hope was Nick Campbell at 75 strokes. Scores of other Hope golfers were Steven Strock 76, Charlie Olson 78, Chris Ansel 80 and Andy Thomson 82.

Heading into the season's final round, Hope freshman Charlie Olson from Suttons Bay is leading the player standings at 73.8 strokes per round. Next is Jon Kuiper of Calvin at 74.1, followed by Hope teammates Steven Strock, a senior from Grandville, and Nick Campbell, a sophomore from Saline, at 74.3 and 74.4 respectively.

Flying Dutchmen Win Red Poling Collegiate Classic (10/6/09)
The Flying Dutchmen won the championship of the Red Poling Collegiate Classic played at the TPC Michigan in Dearborn on Tuesday. Hope finished at 311 strokes, just one stroke ahead of Calvin and Malone, Ohio. Next were Spring Arbor 313, Monmouth, Ill. 324 and Augustana, Ill. 325. It marked the third time in four years that Hope has won the tournament.

The medalist was Mitch Bent of Spring Arbor at 74. Leading Hope was Andy Thomson with a 75. Next were Nick Campbell 78, Chris Ansel 78, Steve Strock 80 and Charlie Olson 80.

The invitational honors Harold Arthur "Red" Poling who served as the president and later CEO of the Ford Motor Company.

Hope Lead in MIAA Race Cut by Rival Calvin (10/5/09)
Rival Calvin used its home course to full advantage on Monday by cutting nearly in half Hope's lead in the MIAA race. The Knights won the season's sixth tournament by 12 strokes over the Flying Dutchmen and trimmed Hope's lead in the league standings to 14 strokes with two tournaments remaining.

The tournament at the Watermark golf course wasn't without controversy as a Hope player was disqualified for writing the wrong score on a hole.

Calvin ended at 294 strokes followed by Hope at 306, Trine 307, Albion 309, Alma 312, Olivet 316, Kalamazoo and Adrian 325 each. The medalist was Andy Wolf of Trine at 36-34--70.

The scores of Hope golfers were Nick Campbell 35-38--73, Steve Strock 37-39--76, Chris Ansel 38-39--77, and Andy Thomson 40-40--80.

The league standings are Hope 1,793, Calvin 1,807, Trine 1,821, Adrian 1,841, Albion 1,849, Olivet 1,854 and Kalamazoo 1,921.

Flying Dutchmen Expand Lead in MIAA Race (9/26/09)
The Flying Dutchmen doubled their lead in the MIAA race despite finished second in Saturday conference tournament. Host Trine edged the Flying Dutchmen for tournament honors, 287-290. Calvin and Adrian, which were each 13 strokes behind Hope entering the tournament faltered by finishing 15 and 18 strokes off the pace. Hope teammates Steve Strock and Charles Olson shared tournament medalist honors at 70 strokes. Next were Chris Ansel 72, Nick Campbell 78 and Andy Thomson 78. After five conference tournaments Hope has 1,488 strokes, followed by Calvin 1,513, Trine 1,514, Adrian 1,516, Olivet 1,538, Albion 1,540, Alma 1,577 and Kalamazoo 1,596.

Flying Dutchmen Continue Winning Ways (9/24/09)
The Flying Dutchmen captured their third consecutive MIAA tournament and expanded their lead in the conference race on Thursday. Coach Bob Ebels' Dutchmen edged Albion by two strokes over the Milham golf course. Midway through the conference season (four of eight tournaments) the Flying Dutchmen lead the field by 13 strokes.

Just seven strokes separated Hope's five golfers. Charles Olson led the team at 35-36--71, followed by Steve Strock 39-34--73, Nick Campbell 35-38--73, Andy Thomson 37-39--76, and Chris Ansel 35-43--78.

Through four tournaments Hope has 1,198 strokes followed by Adrian and Calvin with 1,211 each, Trine 1,225, Olivety 1,234, Albion 1,236, Alma 1,268, and Kalamazoo 1,290.

An interesting race is taking shape for the honor of seasonal medalist. There is a four-way tie for the top spot after four tournaments, including Hope teammates Charles Olson and Nick Campbell. Tied at 295 strokes with Campbell and Olson are Jon Kuiper of Calvin and David Streiberg of Adrian.

Flying Dutchmen Win Jamboree; Now in First (9/19/09)
The Flying Dutchmen have moved into first place in the MIAA standings after winning the season's third Jamboree on Saturday. Led by captain Steven Strock who was the Jamboree's medalist, the Flying Dutchmen edged rival Calvin by two strokes and now lead the MIAA standings by five strokes over previous leader Adrian. Hope ended at 302 strokes followed by Calvin 304, Albion 309, Adrian 310, Alma 310, Trine 311, Olivet 320 and Kalamazoo 324. Strock covered the Lenawee Country course with a round of 32-39--71. Scores of other Hope golfers were Nick Campbell 76, Chris Ansel 77, Charles Olson 78 and Andy Thompson 78. The standings after three rounds are: Hope 905, Adrian 910, Calvin 913, Trine 923, Olivet 932, Albion 941, Alma 955 and Kalamazoo 981.

Hope Wins MIAA Jamboree (9/12/09)
The Flying Dutchmen captured the season's second MIAA Jamboree hosted by Alma on Saturday at the Pine River golf course. Adrian continues to lead the seasonal standings, but just by three points ahead of coach Bob Ebels' Dutchmen. Hope's Nick Campbell captured medalist honors. His round of 70 included a 32 on the front nine. Scores of other Hope golfers were Charles Olson 74, Steve Strock 76, John Cannon 78 and Chris Ansel 79. Campbell, a sophomore from Saline, and Olson, a freshman from Suttons Bay, top the MIAA player standings after two rounds at 146 strokes (73.0 average). They are one stroke ahead of Jon Kuiper of Calvin and Jordan Barber of Adrian.

Flying Dutchmen Third in First MIAA Jamboree (9/8/09)
The Flying Dutchmen finished third in the season's first MIAA Jamboree on Tuesday at the Bedford Valley Country Club. Adrian led the field at 299 strokes followed by Olivet 300, Hope 305, Calvin 307, Trine 308, Albion 320, Alma 323 and Kalamazoo 328.

The Jamboree medalist was Nick Harless of Olivet with a 71. Hope freshman Charlie Olson tied for second place with Calvin's Jon Kuiper at 72 strokes. Scores of other Hope golfers were Nick Campbell 76, Steve Strock 78, Chris Ansel 79 and Andy Thompson 81.

Chris Ansel, a junior from Zeeland (Zeeland East HS), made history by shooting a hole-in-one on the 208-yard, par 3 #11 hole with a four iron. It was only the fourth hole-in-one in modern-day MIAA history and the second by a Hope golfer. The other was by Jay Prasad in 1997 (Duck Lake GC, 5th hole, par 3, 115 yards). "The ball landed pin-high within 18 inches of the hole," observed coach Bob Ebels. "It was beautiful."

Flying Dutchmen Seventh in Opener (9/5/09)
Tournament Results
The Flying Dutchmen tied for seventh place in a field of 12 teams at the season-opening Lou Collins Invitational hosted by Olivet at the Bedford Valley Country Club. Leading Hope was freshman Charles Olsen who was 12th in the field of 84 golfers with rounds of 76-73--149. Scores of other Hope golfers were Steven Strock 78-74--152, Chris Ansel 77-78--155, Nick Campbell 74-82--256, and Andy Thomson 80-85--165. Hope also entered a 'B' squads with scores as followes: John Cannon 78-79--157, Caleb Nykamp 85-87--172, Scott Webster 85-88--173, Adam Peplinski 86-89--175, and Austin Farah 87-90--177.

The Flying Dutchmen will be seeking to regain the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) championship they relinquished last fall.

A string of five consecutive conference championships was ended by rival Olivet in 2008 as the Flying Dutchmen had to settle for second place. Hope under coach Bob Ebels has been MIAA champion eight times over the past decade.

Leading the returning letterwinners is senior captain Steve Strock of Grandville (Grandville HS) who was the MIAA medalist a year ago. His average of 73.0 strokes per 18-hole round was the fourth best in school history.

Sophomore Nick Campbell of Saline (Saline HS) received All-MIAA second team recognition in his first collegiate season as he finished 10th in the conference player standings at 76.6 strokes per round.

Other returning letterwinners include junior Chris Ansel of Zeeland (Zeeland East HS), sophomore Chris Harwood of Westfield, Ind. (Brebeuf Prep HS), sophomore Caleb Nykamp of Holland (Holland Christian HS) and sophomore Andy Thomson of Beaver Dam, Wisc. (Central Wisconsin Christian HS).

Each MIAA teams hosts a conference tournament. Hope’s turn will be Monday, Sept. 28, at the Wuskowhan Players Club. The MIAA champion will receive an automatic berth in the NCAA championships the spring of 2010.

Junior Steven Strock is MIAA Medalist;
Flying Dutchmen Finish Second in Standings
Hope junior Steven Strock of Grandville, Mich.(Grandville HS) captured MIAA medalist honors, bringing the recognition to a Hope golfer for the tenth time in the last 11 years.

Strock finished three strokes ahead of league runnerup Mark McLaughlin of Albion. Strock averaged 73.0 strokes over the league's eight tournaments. It was the fourth best seasonal average by a Hope golfer since the current tournament format started in 1978.

Olivet captured the seasonal team championship, finishing 35 strokes ahead of the Flying Dutchmen. It ended Hope's string of five straight titles. The Comets ended at 2,395 strokes followed by Hope 2,420, Trine 2,425, Albion 2,465, Calvin 2,513, Adrian 2,536, Kalamazoo 2,556, and Alma 2,586.

Nick Campbell, a freshman from Saline, Mich. (Saline HS) achieved All-MIAA second team recognition. He finished 10th in the seasonal player standings with an average of 76.6 strokes.

The seasonal averages of other Hope golfers were Don (DJ) Scholten (senior from Grand Rapids/GR Christian HS) 78.0, and Don Kring (senior from Williamsburg/St. Francis HS) 78.0.