McLean County Times

With the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Men's Golf Championship approaching, Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) is the favored team, as revealed in the annual pre-championship coaches poll. Released by the league office on April 30, the poll forecasts the Titans to lead with eight first-place votes and a total of 64 points. The championship will take place at WeaverRidge Golf Club in Peoria, Illinois, beginning May 1.

Illinois Wesleyan is led by a seasoned team of veterans, including seniors Griffin Pohl and Quinn Clifford, joined by juniors Michael Spitzer, Juney Bai, and Aidan Healy. Pohl, Clifford, Spitzer, and Bai were part of the lineup last season, while Healy will participate in his first league championship.

The Titans have dominated the CCIW Championships for the past 12 years, with their most recent victor being Bobby Beaubien, who earned medalist honors last season. He recorded a 54-hole total of 211, leading his team to a low score of 847 for that tournament, achieving 17-under par.

Aside from Illinois Wesleyan, Carthage College is positioned second in the poll with one first-place vote and 49 points, followed by Wheaton College, Millikin University, and North Central College rounding out the top five. Augustana College, North Park University, Carroll University, and Elmhurst University complete the list.

The event begins on May 1, with Aidan Healy starting the tee times at 8:30 a.m. as part of the three-day competition.