Salukis recognized for academic achievement by Golf Coaches Association of America Peyton Wilhoit and Hunter York named All-America Scholars

CARBONDALE - The Southern Illinois men's golf team was recognized for its academic success during the 2018-19 school year with the Outstanding Team Academic Award from the Golf Coaches Association of America. Individually, Peyton Wilhoit and Hunter York earned the title of Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar.

The Salukis were one of 193 men's golf teams nationwide with a team GPA of 3.0 or better.

"For us to receive the team academic award this year just shows the amount of work and effort the whole team puts into the classroom," said SIU head coach Justin Fetcho. "With such a small roster, it only takes one player not buying-in to bring down your entire team's GPA. We have total buy-in in the classroom."

Wilhoit and York were among 266 Division I players who qualified for All-America Scholar status, which required a 3.2 GPA or better, participation in at least 50 percent of a team's competitive rounds, a stroke-average under 76.0, and junior or senior academic status.

"Both Peyton and Hunter are fine young men that represented exactly what it means to be a student-athlete," said Fetcho. "They were true senior leaders, and this award helps solidify to our younger players that hard work in the classroom is just as important as what you are doing on the golf course."

The Salukis have had at least one All-America Scholar each year for the last five seasons, including two in 2015.

Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholars

2012 - Jake Erickson

2013 - Jake Erickson

2015 - Drew Novara, Wade Thompson

2016 - Brandon Carlson

2017 - Brandon Carlson

2018 - Peyton Wilhoit

2019 - Peyton Wilhoit, Hunter York