HAMILTON, NY - For the first time in the history of the program, the Utica College men's golf team are the Empire 8 Conference Champions. With just a four shot lead standing after the first round with a 313, the Pioneers equaled that effort in the final round with a 314 as they won the title by seven strokes with a two-day total of 627.

The title is the first for Utica since the inception of E8 golf in 2000. The Pioneers' score is also a lead that carries into the Empire 8 Spring Championships to be held in April in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The Pioneers had three players under the 160 stroke mark to help set the tone for their team championship. While the Pioneers held a depth advantage, co-head coach Dave Clausen was quick to note that the team's chemistry also makes a huge difference.

"The guys have a lot of fun playing together," Clausen told the Empire 8. "Seven Oaks is a tremendous course and a great challenge. We are looking forward to the Spring Championship in Hershey."

Utica was led by the efforts of Josh Kienz (Newburgh, NY/Valley Central), who had an eleven over par 155 for the 36 hole event. He placed in a tie for third, just five strokes off the lead of tournament medalist Colin McGaugh of St. John Fisher College. Kienz carded a final round of 77, tied for the third best Sunday score in the field. He had a pair of birdies on the front nine, and a pair on the back nine to place in the third position. He had the best scoring average in the field on Par 3s, and was the third best player in the competition on Par 4s.

Behind Kienz was Joe Miga (Clinton, NY/Notre Dame). One of Utica's top players all season long rallied from a first round 81 with the second best final round in the field at 76 strokes to end up in fifth place with a two-day total of 157 strokes. He was in the top six in the field in scoring average on Par 3s and 4s.

Brandon Young (Muskegon, MI/Johnstown (NAHL)) wrapped up his Fall sports season quite impressively with a two-day total of 159 strokes. He shot a 79 on Saturday, and an 80 on Sunday to sit nine shots off the lead at the end of the competition. He was sixth overall and was a vital piece of the team victory with that placement in the field. He played 17 of 18 holes on Sunday at bogey or better. Young will now shift his attention to the ice as a member of the Utica College men's hockey team, where he is expected to be a top contributor on the blue line as a defenseman.

Ian Schaaf (Marshall, NY/Clinton) placed just outside the top ten with a final round 79 and a two round score of 162 to tie for eleventh. He birdied the par five seventh hole on Sunday. He averaged just a tenth of a stroke above par on Par 5s to stand among the best golfers in the field.

Mason Munger (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) rode an opening round of 75 to a two-day card of 167 to tie for seventeenth. Casey Rich (Oneida, NY/Oneida) placed in 27th with 176 shots to round out the Pioneer lineup.

The Pioneers were a top 3 team in the field in scoring average on Par 3s, Par 4s, and Par 5s. The win was keyed by a tournament best 20 birdies over the past two days.

The Pioneers will have a lengthy winter break before returning for Spring competition after the ground thaws.