Illinois Wesleyan University Men's Golf Team Earns Historic Distinctions

The Illinois Wesleyan University men's golf team has made history, with three Titans earning First Team Academic All-America status from College Sports Communicators for the first time in program history. Seniors Quinn Clifford and Griffin Pohl, along with junior Juney Bai, have achieved this prestigious honor, with Clifford becoming the first three-time recipient in program history. This achievement marks the sixth consecutive year that a student-athlete from the program has earned the prestigious distinction. Clifford repeats as a first-team selection after earning third-team recognition in 2023, while Pohl earns the award for the second consecutive year, moving up to first team after earning third-team honors in 2023-24.

Key Takeaways:

• 3 Illinois Wesleyan University men's golf team members, Quinn Clifford, Griffin Pohl, and Juney Bai, have earned First Team Academic All-America status from College Sports Communicators, marking the first time in program history that three Titans have achieved this honor.
• This achievement marks the sixth consecutive year that a student-athlete from the program has earned the prestigious distinction.
• Quinn Clifford becomes the first three-time recipient in the program's history, repeating as a first-team selection after earning third-team recognition in 2023.
• Griffin Pohl earns the award for the second consecutive year, moving up to first team after earning third-team honors in 2023-24.
• Juney Bai bursts onto the list for the first time in his career, while Illinois Wesleyan University runs its school total to 172 and the all-time men's golf tally to 11.
• The trio joins 8 other Titans in receiving the distinguished honor this academic year, bringing the total number of award winners to 10.
• The Illinois Wesleyan University men's golf team has won 5 tournaments this season, finishing with its best NCAA Championship performance since winning the 2021 national title.

Statistics:

• Since 2024-25, 12 Titans have reeled in CSC Academic All-America honors, breaking the previous mark of 10 set in 2023-24.
• 172 award winners represent the school's all-time total, ranking within the top-25 across NCAA Division I, II, and III, and top-10 in Division III.
• The men's golf team has had 11 total CSC Academic All-America awardees, with 5 of these student-athletes earning the honor this year.

Sources:

• College Sports Communicators
• Illinois Wesleyan University Athletics News Release