2018-19 Men's Golf

*Placed 9th in the GPAC (309-300-326-320–1,255) | Season Stats

Schedule/Results

Briar Cliff Invite (Sept. 5) | Twin Rivers GC | North Sioux City, S.D. | Results

Siouxland Invitational (Sept. 13-14) | Landsmeer GC | Orange City, Iowa | Results

Midland Invite (Sept. 19) | The Pines CC | Valley, Neb. | Results

GPAC Fall Championships (Sept. 24-25) | Willow Run GC | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Results

Nebraska Intercollegiate (Oct. 12-13) | Norfolk CC | Norfolk, Neb. | Results

Concordia-Doane Cup (March 31) | Beatrice CC | Beatrice, Neb. | L, 3-5

Blue River Invite (April 2-3) | Wilderness Ridge / Highlands GC | Lincoln, Neb. | Results

Bethel Invitational (April 6-7) | Hesston Golf Park / Sand Creek Station | Hesston/Newton, Kan. | Results

Red Raider Cup (April 9) | Landsmeer GC | Orange City, Iowa | Results

GPAC Preview Meet (April 15) | Dakota Dunes CC | Dakota Dunes, S.D. | Results

GPAC Spring Championships (April 23-24) | Dakota Dunes CC | Dakota Dunes, S.D. | Results

2018-19 Roster

Name	Year	Hometown	Previous School
Nathan Auffet	Fr.	Benkelman, Neb.	Dundy County HS
William Christianson	Fr.	Hot Springs, S.D.	Hot Springs HS
Harrison Helmer	So.	Seward, Neb.	Seward HS
Jayden Neal	So.	North Platte, Neb.	North Platte HS
Tylar Samek	Jr.	David City, Neb.	David City HS
Joshua Schaeffer	Jr.	Denver, Iowa	North Iowa Area CC
Grant Suchanek	Jr.	Grand Island, Neb.	Heartland Lutheran HS
Landon Walkenhorst	Fr.	Arlington, Neb.	Arlington HS
Jack Williams	Fr.
Nolan Zikas	Sr.	La Vista, Neb.	Papillion La Vista HS
Colton Zulkoski	Jr.	Ord, Neb.	McCook CC

STAFF

Brett Muller, Head Coach (8th Year)

Tanner Randall, Graduate Assistant Coach

Season preview: 2018-19 Concordia men's golf

Aug. 27, 2018

Head Coach: Brett Muller (8th year)
2017-18 GPAC Finish: 5th (288-295-311-308–1,202)
Key Returners: Tylar Samek (Jr.); Nolan Zikas (Sr.).
Key Newcomers: Devin Koob; Joshua Schaefer; Colton Zulkoksi.
Key Losses: Tyelr Ehresman; Russell Otten; Kort Steele.
2018 GPAC All-Conference: Nolan Zikas (16th).

Outlook
Three regulars from last season’s top five have departed, but the Concordia University men’s golf program is in good hands with senior leader Nolan Zikas headlining the 2018-19 squad. Zikas kicked cancer to the curb after being put through the ringer early in his collegiate career. Someone with his determination and toughness is exactly want you want as the face of a program.

With the help of Zikas’ steady play, the 2017-18 Bulldogs proved they could compete with anyone in the GPAC. They made that clear when they bested a field of 14 teams at the Midland Spring Invitational back on April 17. It marked the first tournament victory on the men’s side in head coach Brett Muller’s first seven seasons at the helm of the program.

“That was our first team win for the men last year, winning the Midland Invite,” Muller said. “That was a pretty exciting win going into a playoff to capture that win. We definitely had some good pieces there. We’re moving in the right direction. This team is completely different. Our top five last year was pretty well set.”

Tyler Ehresman, Russell Otten and Kort Steele have moved on, but Muller expects to field another competitive squad despite the departures. Junior Tylar Samek (career average of 78.79 over 33 rounds) provides another dependable veteran alongside Zikas. Then you have to factor in the group of transfers: Devin Koob (North Iowa Area CC), Joshua Schaefer (North Iowa Area CC) and Colton Zulkoski (McCook CC).

It's rare for Muller to field a lineup loaded with transfers, but it would have been hard to pass up the aforementioned names. All three qualified for National Junior College Athletic Association national championships.

“I was thinking about it this summer that it’s kind of shocking that only two of us (from the varsity lineup) are returning,” Zikas said. “I thought it would be tough, but after seeing practice I think we’ve got a good squad. We’re going to be able to compete. We have some transfers and some freshmen coming in that have great potential. They maybe have played some longer courses and obviously different courses. That’s really going to benefit us and help us compete for the GPAC.”

Perhaps this will be the year that Zikas makes a serious push for a top-five individual finish in the GPAC. He had himself in that territory after 36 holes of conference action last fall before sliding back a bit in the spring. However, he still managed to collect his third All-GPAC honor in a row. His four-under-par 68 on the team’s home turf at Highlands Golf Course equaled a program record for a single round.

The roster numbers 13 strong, including additional returners in Harrison Helmer, Jayden Neal and Grant Suchanek. They will have to step up their games to jump into the top five, where Zikas and Samek are already fixtures. Samek has the ability to improve upon his 79.44 scoring average from 2017-18.

Says Muller, “With some of the guys we have coming in and their scoring potential, I think it could be three or four tournaments before we really figure out what our top five are. We’ll be by far the deepest we’ve ever been so I’m very excited about that. Right away in our qualifying in practice, they (the newcomers) definitely raised the bar. We had some very good scores. Those practices should translate into being more competitive on the team side in the tournaments.”

Muller has overseen a program that seems to get a little bit better each year. The team’s 2017-18 scoring average of 306.88 set a new standard. Eight times the Bulldogs carded team scores of 300 or lower, including a 288 at the GPAC fall championships – another program record.

Zikas expects the trend of declining scores to continue. Says the La Vista, Neb., native, “(The goal is) going out and breaking records again. You have to set the goals high. Whatever happens, happens. All you can do is give it your all. You just go and try to achieve those goals. I think having the individual college career record is a big goal of mine.”

Concordia will embark upon a new season beginning with the Blue River Classic (Sept. 4-5) that it will co-host with Doane. Day one will take place at Wilderness Ridge in Lincoln before shifting to Highlands for day two.

Zikas ends day one atop leaderboard at Siouxland Invite

Sep. 13, 2018

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – At the close of the first day of action at the Siouxland Invitational, senior Nolan Zikas put himself atop the field of 82 golfers present at Landsmeer Golf Club on Thursday (Sept. 13). With a score just off his career low, Zikas has helped position the Concordia University men’s golf team in fourth place out of 16 squads, including junior varsity groupings.

This is the second time out this fall for eighth-year head coach Brett Muller’s men’s team. His five ‘A’ team members shot a 302. Meanwhile, the ‘B’ squad carded a 354 (15th place).

Zikas turned in his two-under-par 69 on the strength of six birdies. He just missed his career best (and school record) score of 68 carded at last year’s Blue River Classic. Through the first two rounds of his senior season, Zikas is two strokes under par. He also shot an even-par 70 at the team’s season opening event, the Briar Cliff Invitational on Sept. 5. A native of La Vista, Neb., Zikas will have Morningside’s Cody Holck (70) and Jonathan Douglas (71) and Northwestern’s Isaac Knock (71).

The rest of Concordia’s ‘A’ team included juniors Josh Schaefer (76; 17th), Tylar Samek (77; T-18th) and Colton Zulkoski (80; T-38th) and sophomore Jayden Neal (84; T-49th). The next Bulldog wave of five featured sophomore Harrison Helmer (83; T-47th), senior Grant Suchanek (84; T-49th), freshman Landon Walkenhorst (91; T-71st), freshman William Christianson (96; T-76th) and Nathan Auffet (106, 80th).

Round two of the Siouxland Invite will shift to The Ridge Golf Club in Sioux Center, Iowa, on Friday (Sept. 14). As a team, Concordia is 15 strokes behind first-place Morningside. The Bulldogs are just four strokes out of second place.

Zikas breaks school record, wins Siouxland Invite

Sep. 14, 2018

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – By the time his career is complete, Nolan Zikas just might own the entire Concordia University men’s golf record book. The senior from La Vista, Neb., set another new standard with his performances over two days at the Siouxland Invitational, co-hosted by Northwestern and Dordt. Zikas shot back-to-back 69’s to win the event and break the program record for lowest 36-hole score at a single tournament (previous record was 69-74–143 by Reid Wiebe in 2015).

As a team, eighth-year head coach Brett Muller’s ‘A’ squad improved by 10 strokes on the second day of the event, which shifted from Orange City, Iowa, on Thursday to Sioux Center, Iowa, on Friday. The Bulldogs carded a 302-293–595 (par 71 on both courses) and placed fourth out of 16 teams.

Zikas has now shot even par or better in each of his first three rounds this fall. Zikas entered the Siouxland Invite with eight career top-five tournament finishes to his credit, but he had come up just short of claiming medalist honors since topping the leaderboard at the third and fourth GPAC qualifiers his freshman season. Zikas appears poised for a big senior season after claiming All-GPAC accolades in each of his first three seasons.

“Nolan the last two days just dominated,” Muller said. “He played pretty well to the greens. I’m very happy to see him set the school record. Some of his goals coming into the year was that he wanted to win titles and he wanted to set school records. He achieved two goals today.

“Nolan’s consistently in the hunt for individual titles. It was good to see him get over the hump with a good win early in his senior campaign.”

Nine Concordia golfers either equaled or improved upon their score from the first day of the invite. The rest of the first Bulldog grouping included juniors Tylar Samek (77-73–150; 19th), Josh Schaefer (76-75–151; 21st) and Colton Zulkoski (80-76–156; 33rd) and sophomore Jayden Neal (84-76–160; 41st).

In the second grouping of Concordia representatives, sophomore Harrison Helmer (83-77–160; 41st) put together a solid tournament. The rest of the ‘B’ squad featured freshman Landon Walkenhorst (91-85–176; 68th), senior Grant Suchanek (84-94–178; 70th) and freshmen William Christianson (96-85–181; 71st) and Nathan Auffet (106-88–194; 74th).

“I’m proud of our guys,” Muller said. “We definitely took a step forward today.”

Next up is the Midland Fall Invite at The Pines Country Club in Valley, Neb., on Wednesday, Sept. 19. It will be the final tournament before the GPAC Fall Championships (Sept. 24-25).

School record leads to GPAC honor for Zikas

Sep. 19, 2018

GPAC release

SEWARD, Neb. – A school record breaking performance has led to further recognition for senior Nolan Zikas. As a result of winning the Siouxland Invitational, Zikas has been named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Men’s Golfer of the Week, as announced on Wednesday (Sept. 19). The honor means that Zikas can now claim three career GPAC Golfer of the Week awards on his growing résumé.

A three-time all-conference honoree, Zikas shot a two-under-par 69 in back-to-back rounds at the Siouxland Invitational, which took place at Landsmeer Golf Club in Orange City, Iowa, on Sept. 13 and at The Ridge Golf Club in Sioux Center, Iowa, on Sept. 14. Zikas’ two-round score of 69-69–138 broke the previous school record of 143 for lowest 36-hole total at a single event. Zikas outshot the field of 82 golfers at the Siouxland Invite.

Also named a Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar by the Golf Coaches Association of America this past summer, Zikas is on track for a big senior year. He’s shot par or better in each of his three rounds this fall. In his career, Zikas owns a scoring average of 75.75 (51 rounds) with three tournament victories and eight tournament top-five finishes.

Zikas and the men’s golf program are back in action today (Sept. 19) at the Midland Fall Invite at the Pines Country Club in Valley, Neb.

Samek's 74 tops Bulldogs at Midland Invite

Sep. 19, 2018

VALLEY, Neb. – Three Bulldogs shot in the 70s on Wednesday (Sept. 19) at the Midland Fall Invite, but it wasn’t enough for the Concordia University men’s golf team to keep pace with its conference competition. The Bulldog ‘A’ team placed in a tie for 13th amongst 19 squads in a large field that navigated the course at The Pines Country Club in Valley, Neb.

The 313 carded by eighth-year head coach Brett Muller’s squad represented a season high out of the four rounds it has competed in this fall. Muller also traveled a second grouping of four to Valley. That foursome carded a 361.

Just named the GPAC Golfer of the Week earlier in the day, senior Nolan Zikas failed to shoot par or better for the first time this season. He shot a four-over-par 76 and placed in a tie for 37th on the individual leaderboard (103 golfers). Junior Tylar Samek enjoyed the best day among Bulldogs. He carded a two-over-par 74 and claimed a top 20 finish. The rest of the first group included junior Colton Zulkoski (76; T-37th) and sophomores Jayden Neal (87; T-92nd) and Harrison Helmer (91; T-100th).

The four additional Bulldogs to take the course on Wednesday were freshmen William Christianson (87; T-92nd), Landon Walkenhorst (89; T-96th) and Nathan Auffet (89; T-96th) and senior Grant Suchanek (96; 103rd).

Next up are the GPAC Fall Championships next Monday and Tuesday (Sept. 24-25) at Willow Run Golf Course in Sioux Falls, S.D. Two conference rounds will also be contested in the spring. Last season Muller’s squad placed fifth in the GPAC (288-295-311-308–1,202).

Bulldogs shoot 309 on first day of GPAC championships

Sep. 24, 2018

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Concordia University men’s golf team entered the first round of the 2018-19 GPAC championships hoping to shoot a score south of 300. Instead, the Bulldogs carded a 309 while competing on the par 70 Willow Run Golf Course in Sioux Falls, S.D. Concordia finds itself in seventh place out of 11 GPAC squads with 54 holes of conference action left to be contested.

Eighth-year head coach Brett Muller’s program is coming off a fifth-place GPAC finish in 2017-18. The Bulldogs will need to improve on day two if they are to position themselves for another top-five conference finish in the spring. Muller called Monday’s round “disappointing.”

For the second round in a row, junior Tylar Samek was the low man amongst Bulldogs. He shot a four-over-par 74, placing him in a tie for 14th on the individual leaderboard. Now gunning for his fourth All-GPAC honor in a row, senior Nolan Zikas came in next with a 76 (tied for 24th). The rest of the lineup got its first taste of the GPAC championships. Concordia was rounded out by junior Josh Schaefer (79; T-32nd), sophomore Jayden Neal (80; T-39th) and junior Colton Zulkoski (81; T-42nd).

In his first three runs through the GPAC championships, Zikas has placed ninth, 24th and 16th, respectively. Meanwhile, Samek placed 22nd as a freshman and 32nd as a sophomore on the GPAC leaderboard.

The action will pick up from Willow Run on Tuesday for the final GPAC championship round of the fall. Concordia’s first tee time will be at 10 a.m. CT. The Bulldogs are 29 strokes off of first-place Northwestern. Four players share the individual lead (one-under-par 69).

Live scoring results can be found HERE.

Samek, Bulldogs shoot 300 in GPAC's second round

Sep. 25, 2018

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Led by junior Tylar Samek, the Concordia University men’s golf team made a positive step on the second day of the GPAC championships contested at Willow Run Golf Course in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Tuesday (Sept. 25). The Bulldogs moved from seventh to sixth place in the conference standings by shaving nine strokes off their total from Monday while competing at the same course.

Eighth-year head coach Brett Muller’s squad shot a two-round total of 609 (309-300), one stroke better than seventh-place Dordt. Concordia placed fifth in the GPAC in 2017-18.

Said Muller, “It was much better today. We shot a 139 on the front nine and actually moved all the way up to fourth. We did not play as well on the back nine. We talk about finishing the round and not doing that hurt us again today.”

A native of David City, Neb., Samek is enjoying the best run of his career in conference championship play. Samek has turned in GPAC place finishes of 22nd as a freshman and 32nd as a sophomore. On Tuesday, Samek carded an even-par 70 and moved into a tie for sixth on the individual conference leaderboard (74-70–144). Samek’s previous career best round was an even-par 71 in the first round of the GPAC championships a year ago.

“Tylar got off to a great start today,” Muller said. “He was three-under-par at one point. He was solid through the greens. Tylar focused on his wedge game and that put him in position to make more birdies.”

In his first three rounds this fall, senior Nolan Zikas carded scores of 70, 69 and 69, respectively. Unfortunately he was unable to duplicate those performances this week. He finds himself in a tie for 20th place in the GPAC (76-74–150) as he makes a run at a fourth all-conference award in a row. The remainder of the Bulldog lineup at Willow Run included newcomers in juniors Josh Schaefer (79-77–156; 36th) and Colton Zulkoski (81-79–160; T-40th) and sophomore Jayden Neal (80-83–163; T-44th).

Just one event remains on the fall schedule: the Nebraska Intercollegiate (Oct. 12-13). The two-day tournament will be held at Norfolk Country Club in Norfolk, Neb. The men’s golf spring 2019 schedule has not yet been announced but the dates for the GPAC spring championship rounds are set for April 23-24 at Dakota Dunes Country Club in Dakota Dunes, S.D.

Concordia places ninth at Nebraska Intercollegiate, concludes fall season

Oct. 13, 2018

NORFOLK, Neb. – State bragging rights were at stake this weekend as the Concordia University men’s golf team competed at the annual Nebraska Intercollegiate (Oct. 12-13) at Norfolk Country Club in Norfolk, Neb. Ten Nebraska institutions, including GPAC rivals Doane, Hastings and Midland, were in attendance in Norfolk. Eighth-year head coach Brett Muller’s squad placed ninth out of 14 teams by shooting a two-round 323-317–640 (+64).

The scores were well above the team’s season average (303.0) entering the weekend. The Bulldogs have now completed their fall schedule, which included five events (eight rounds).

Nine individuals represented Concordia at the Nebraska Intercollegiate. The top finisher for the Bulldogs wound up being senior Nolan Zikas (79-76–155), who tied for 20th out of more than 80 golfers in the field. The native of La Vista, Neb., will head into the spring season with a team best scoring average of 73.63.

Seven other Bulldogs competed in both rounds at the Nebraska Intercollegiate. They were juniors Josh Schaerf (79-78–157; T-28th), Tylar Samek (78-82–160; T-39th), Colton Zulkoski (87-86–173; T-63rd), freshman Landon Walkenhorst (90-92–182; 74th), sophomore Harrison Helmer (90-94–184; 76th), senior Grant Suchanek (87-99–186; 78th) and freshman Nathan Auffet (100-102–202; 82nd). Sophomore Jayden Neal turned in an 81 on day two.

Prior to Friday’s round, the Concordia men’s golf team had not been in action since two rounds of the GPAC championships were contested in Sioux Falls, S.D., Sept. 24-25. Looking ahead to the spring, the Bulldogs will attempt to move up from their current sixth-place conference standing. Concordia carded a two-round score of 309-300–609 at the fall portion of the GPAC championships.

Zikas named 2018 winner of Toms Overcoming Adversity Award

Mar. 19, 2019

Golf Coaches Association of America Release

Golf Channel Interview with Zikas

SEWARD, Neb. – As announced on Tuesday (March 19) by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) and the Golf Channel, Concordia University senior Nolan Zikas has been named the recipient of the 2018 David Toms Overcoming Adversity Award. Only one total student-athlete from all levels of collegiate golf are recognized with this honor each year. The award is presented by the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA).

In its 10th year of existence, the David Toms Overcoming Adversity Award is presented each year to the men's collegiate golfer who has overcome obstacles in life to excel both on and off the golf course. In recent years, the honor has been given to student-athletes from schools such as the University of Michigan, Louisiana State University and the University of Florida.

In recognition of his honor, Zikas flew to Orlando, Fla., over spring break to interview at the headquarters of the Golf Channel. That interview aired as part of the Golf Channel’s Morning Drive program early on March 19.

Zikas told the Golf Channel, “Golf has played a big role in my life. It’s definitely saved my life, I would say. I’ve always grown up wanting to be out on the golf course when this had happened to me. I didn’t want to be laid up in the hospital, but I would still try to do anything with golf that I could. My mom and dad would always think that it was amazing that I would always be up, wanting to play golf. It’s definitely saved my life.”

The struggles endured by the native of La Vista, Neb., were documented in 2016 by the story, “Nolan Zikas: I will be the victor.” Zikas first learned of a cancerous tumor in his right leg in January of 2012. He was then diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer that eventually would spread to his lungs. In April of 2012, Zikas underwent an operation that resulted in the removal of his right femur bone, the insertion of a titanium rod and knee replacement. Zikas went through 11 additional surgeries since then, including one his freshman year at Concordia.

Through it all, Zikas has been a testament to the power of faith and positive thinking. Back in 2016, Zikas was quoted as saying, “I don’t think I’m ever really going to know why. Why me? Why not some other kid who does drugs or gets into trouble? God has given me this situation because He knows I can overcome it.”

Zikas just wanted to play golf and he continued to do so at Concordia despite his health situation. Just a few short days after Zikas had learned his cancer had returned in April of 2016, he still went out and shot a two-under-par 69. Then in May of that same spring, Zikas shot an even-par 70 at the fourth GPAC qualifier event, tying him for first place in that round.

The product of Papillion La Vista High School never stopped fighting what had ailed him. Now he’s proud to say that he’s been cancer free for three years. Zikas has thrived as a Bulldog. He is a three-time All-GPAC honoree and was tabbed a Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar by the GCAA in 2018. The recreation and sport studies major equaled a program single round record in September 2018 by shooting a four-under-par 68. His career 18-hole average is 75.79 in 56 rounds.

The David Toms Overcoming Adversity Award is the latest honor for Zikas, who continues to inspire those around him.

“Winning the David Toms Overcoming Adversity Award has provided me with so many opportunities and I can’t thank everyone enough for these opportunities,” said Zikas. “I also need to thank everyone involved in my life (friends, coaches, family, and God) for the continued support and will to keep fighting the great fight and still pursue my goals and dreams in life! This award is not only for me but for everyone involved in my life. Thank you again for the wonderful opportunities and considering me as the award winner.”

Bulldogs card best round of spring on first day of Bethel Invite

Apr. 6, 2019

HESSTON, Kan. – A busy week for the Concordia University men’s golf team continued on Saturday (April 6) with the first round of the Bethel Spring Invitational. In action at Hesston Golf Park in Hesston, Kan., the Bulldogs turned in their lowest round so far this spring by shooting a team score of 306. That puts them in a tie for ninth place out of 19 teams at the two-day event.

In three rounds this spring, head coach Brett Muller’s squad has turned in scores of 332, 310 and 306, respectively. Not surprisingly, senior Nolan Zikas paced Concordia on Saturday by shooting an even par 71.

Zikas currently sits in a tie for sixth place out of 99 golfers in the field. The native of La Vista, Neb., will attempt to secure his second top 10 tournament finish of the spring when play resumes on Sunday. Zikas also placed seventh earlier this week at the Blue River Classic (74-75–149).

The rest of the lineup in Hesston included sophomore Jayden Neal (76; T-34th), junior Tylar Samek (77; T-40th), freshman Jack Williams (82; T-69th) and sophomore Harrison Helmer (84; T-77th). Three Bulldogs are also competing at the Bethel Invite individually: freshman Landon Walkenhorst (88; T-91st), senior Grant Suchanek (89; T-93rd) and freshman Nathan Auffut (104; 98th).

Day two action will shift to Sand Creek Station in Newton, Kan., with play set to tee off at 9 a.m. CT on Sunday.

Zikas, Williams pace Bulldogs at Bethel Invite

Apr. 7, 2019

NEWTON, Kan. – A more challenging course on the second and final day of the Bethel Spring Invitational resulted in higher scores for members of the Concordia University men’s golf team on Sunday (April 7). However, senior Nolan Zikas and freshman Jack Williams both managed to shoot in the 70s in leading the way for the Bulldogs. Concordia has now played 72 rounds in a six-day span.

Head coach Brett Muller’s squad placed 13th out of 19 teams in the Bethel Invite field. Nearly 100 individual golfers competed in the event, which was played out at Hesston Golf Park in Hesston, Kan., on Saturday and then at Sand Creek Station in Newton, Kan., on Sunday.

“Scores were higher today across the board but Nolan played very well again,” Muller said. “He continues to have a great senior campaign. He’s making a final push to end his career strong. Then I thought we got some real good things out of Jack Williams today. He showed his potential and his ability. It was a round we were waiting for out of him. He’s someone who can continue to improve and help us in our top five.”

Zikas earned a top 10 finish for the second tournament in a row to begin the spring. He finished in a tie for seventh at the Bethel Invite by shooting a two-round total of 71-74–145 (two over par). It was a four-stroke improvement from the 36-hole score of 149 that Zikas carded earlier in the week at the Blue River Invite.

Perhaps Williams will be able to push Zikas at the top moving forward. The second semester addition to the roster carded a 77 in Sunday’s round and moved up to a tie for 56th on the individual leaderboard (82-77–159). The rest of the team’s lineup included junior Tylar Samek (77-83–160; T-58th) and sophomores Jayden Neal (76-95–171; T-83rd) and Harrison Helmer (84-89–173; 90th). Three Bulldogs competed as individuals: senior Grant Suchanek (89-86–175; 92nd) and freshmen Landon Walkenhorst (88-94–182; 93rd) and Nathan Auffut (104-107–211; 98th).

Next up on the schedule is a match play event hosted by Northwestern this coming Tuesday and Wednesday at Landsmeer Golf Club in Orange City, Iowa. Action is set to tee off at 10 a.m. CT on day one.

Bulldogs shoot 302, defeat Briar Cliff in match play

Apr. 9, 2019

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – In an atypical event, the Concordia University men’s golf team played 36 holes at Landsmeer Golf Club in Orange City, Iowa, in a long day on Tuesday (April 9). After placing sixth in stroke play with a team score of 302, the Bulldogs then defeated Briar Cliff in match play by taking four of the five head-to-head battles.

Head coach Brett Muller’s men’s squad has now played 108 rounds of golf over the past eight days. This particular event, tagged the Red Raider Cup and hosted by Northwestern, was originally scheduled to be a two-day event with a bracket for match play. It was shortened due to expected inclement weather on Wednesday.

“The course was set up pretty favorable to shoot low scores,” Muller said. “(Senior) Nolan (Zikas) and (junior) Tylar (Samek) both played very well in stroke play – and (freshman) Jack (Williams) again as well. It was good to see us shoot our lowest score of the spring. Going into match play, we knew we would have to play very well to beat Briar Cliff and our guys played very well.”

Zikas was coming off a pair of top 10 tournament finishes last week. He shot a 69 in stroke play on Tuesday to equal a season low. He was followed in the lineup by Samek (72), Williams (78) and sophomores Jayden Neal (83) and Harrison Helmer (83). The 302 team score was the lowest for Concordia since carding a 300 at the GPAC championships back on Sept. 25.

As the No. 6 seed following stroke play, the Bulldogs drew No. 5 seed Briar Cliff. Concordia wins came from Zikas (4&3), Samek (5&3), Neal (3&2) and Helmer (3&1) while Williams fell (2&1).

Concordia will have the rest of the week off. It will return to action on Monday (April 15) for the 36-hole GPAC Preview Meet at Dakota Dunes Country Club in Dakota Dunes, S.D.

Bulldogs place 10th, Zikas 12th at GPAC Spring Preview

Apr. 15, 2019

DAKOTA DUNES, S.D. – A long day on the course featured 36 holes of competition for 88 golfers who navigated the Dakota Dunes Country Club grounds at the GPAC Spring Preview meet on Monday (April 15). The outing gave the entire conference an opportunity to feel out the course that will be the site of the GPAC Spring Championships next week. Out of 15 teams (including ‘A’ and ‘B’ squads), the Concordia University men’s golf team placed 10th.

Head coach Brett Muller will hope his team will take this as a learning experience. It shot a two-round total of 328-316–644 (+68) on Monday. Currently in sixth place in the GPAC standings (309-300–609 in two GPAC fall meet rounds), the Bulldogs know they will have to be better to move up the conference ladder.

The event marked the fifth of the spring season for Concordia. Senior Nolan Zikas was again the squad’s top player. He shot nine over par (79-74–153) and tied for 12th on the tournament leaderboard. Zikas was just two strokes off of a fifth top 10 finish this 2018-19 season.

Five other Bulldogs were also present in Dakota Dunes, S.D. – junior Tylar Samek (84-79–163; T-39th), freshman Jack Williams (79-85–164; T-41st), sophomores Jayden Neal (86-78–164; T-41st) and Harrison Helmer (91-93–184; 81st) and freshman Landon Walkenhorst (98-101–199; 87th).

The GPAC Spring Championships will take place April 23-24 at the same Dakota Dunes Country Club. Action is slated to begin at 10:40 a.m. CT on the first day.

Zikas climbs leaderboard in round three of GPAC championships

Apr. 23, 2019

DAKOTA DUNES, S.D. – This event will be it in the collegiate career of the accomplished Nolan Zikas, winner of the most recent David Toms Overcoming Adversity Award. The La Vista, Neb., native put together a solid 18 holes on Tuesday (April 23) in what was round three of four at the 2019 GPAC Men’s Golf Championships. The final two rounds of the conference championships are being staged at Dakota Dunes Country Club in Dakota Dunes, S.D.

As a team, head coach Brett Muller’s Concordia men’s golf squad slipped back two spots to eighth place in the GPAC race after shooting a 326 in the latest round. The cumulative team total heading into the final round is 309-300-326–935.

After the first two GPAC championship rounds that occurred in the fall, Zikas sat in a tie for 20th place. He now shares 14th place (76-74-74–224) after shooting a 74 on Tuesday. Zikas is bidding for a fourth All-GPAC honor in a row. His career conference finishes have been ninth as a freshman, 24th as a sophomore and 16th as a junior. Another top 10 finish is not out of the question with Zikas currently two strokes out of 10th place.

The two other Bulldogs to qualify for the overall leaderboard (must compete in every GPAC championship round) are junior Tylar Samek (74-70-85–229; T-21st) and sophomore Jayden Neal (80-83-89–252; 38th). Samek had entered the spring in a tie for sixth place in the conference. The even-par 70 Samek shot in round two of the GPAC championships represents his lowest score of the 2018-19 season. Meanwhile, Neal moved up from 44th place after the fall.

Freshman Jack Williams carded an 81 on Tuesday for the team’s second best round of the day. Williams joined the team at the start of the second semester. Finally, sophomore Harrison Helmer competed in a conference round for the first time in his career and turned in an 86.

The final round of the GPAC championships will start at 9 a.m. CT on Wednesday. The first Bulldog tee shot is scheduled for 9:50 a.m.

Zikas concludes career with top 20 finish in GPAC championships

Apr. 24, 2019

DAKOTA DUNES, S.D. – Senior Nolan Zikas has left a lasting impact upon Concordia University golf and the institution as a whole. The cancer survivor and David Toms Overcoming Adversity Award winner gave it one last shot on Wednesday (April 24) in the fourth and final round of the 2018-19 GPAC Men’s Golf Championships. Zikas placed in a tie for 18th in the conference while leading the Bulldogs at Dakota Dunes Country Club in Dakota Dunes, S.D.

Head coach Brett Muller’s squad had hoped to make a move after it sat in sixth place after two fall GPAC championship rounds. Instead, Concordia ended up sliding back to ninth place with a final 72-hole total of 309-300-326-320–1,255.

There probably have been few goodbyes more emotional in Muller’s coaching career than the one experienced when Wednesday’s round concluded.

“Nolan was disappointed just with how his round went today,” Muller said. “But looking back on his career and everything he gave to Bulldog golf is amazing. I was talking to him after the round and we were thinking back to his campus visit four years ago and his goal to walk across the stage for graduation. He’s going to accomplish that goal. He was a staple of our lineup. The last two-and-a-half years he’s been our captain and the leader of our team and he’s solidified our No. 1 spot.”

A native of La Vista, Neb., Zikas finished the conference championships by carding a cumulative total of 76-74-74-80–304 (+20), which was about in line with his GPAC stroke numbers from the previous three seasons: 299, 323 and 302, respectively. In his distinguished career, Zikas has been all-conference honoree three times, placed in the top 10 of 17 tournaments and won three events.

Two other Bulldogs qualified for the individual GPAC leaderboard (must play in all four championship rounds): junior Tylar Samek (74-70-85-83–312; T-26th) and sophomore Jayden Neal (80-83-89-76–328; T-36th). The remaining Concordia competitors this week were freshman Jack Williams (81-83) and sophomore Harrison Helmer (86-81). All four have a chance to be part of what will hopefully be an improved squad next season.

“We had a lot of guys who got experience playing in the varsity lineup second semester,” Muller said. “At times they showed glimpses of their abilities. We have to focus on consistency. We have to have guys shoot 76 or better for us to be competitive in the conference. The conference gets tougher and deeper every year.”

That’s it for the 2018-19 men’s golf season. One of the top highlights occurred back in the middle of September when the team recorded a 293 in the second round of the Siouxland Invitational, an event in which Zikas took medalist honors.

Suchanek collects Scholar-Athlete honors

May. 28, 2019

NAIA Release

SEWARD, Neb. – For the second year in a row, senior Grant Suchanek has been named a Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete, as announced by the NAIA on May 23. A native of Grand Island, Neb., Suchanek graduated with degrees in criminal justice, psychology and behavioral science. He has been a four-year member of the Concordia University men’s golf program.

In order to be nominated by an institution’s head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended two full years as a non-transfer or one full year as a transfer. A total of 186 men’s golf student-athletes across the nation were named 2019 Scholar-Athletes by the NAIA.

Concordia University ranks as the NAIA’s all-time leader in number of Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes with 1,465 and counting. The Bulldogs have been a regular national leader for both scholar-athletes and scholar-teams and are coming off a 2017-18 academic year that resulted in 77 more scholar-athletes and 20 scholar-teams (third most in the nation). Also in 2017-18, seven Bulldog student-athletes garnered both CoSIDA Academic All-District and CoSIDA Academic All-America accolades.

Pitsch, Sears earn Scholar-Athlete accolades

May. 28, 2019

NAIA Release

SEWARD, Neb. – A pair of Bulldogs represented the Concordia University women’s golf program on the list of Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes, as revealed on May 22. Senior Madison Pitsch and junior Murphy Sears were both named NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Now a Concordia graduate with a journalism degree, Pitsch is a two-time Scholar-Athlete while Sears, a business administration major, has picked up the award for the first time.

In order to be nominated by an institution’s head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended two full years as a non-transfer or one full year as a transfer. A total of 156 women’s golf student-athletes across the nation were named 2019 Scholar-Athletes by the NAIA.