Taylor Claims Fifth Straight League Title

Video Recap | Live Scoring | Crossroads League Championship Central

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – In one of the most fiercely contested Crossroads League Men's Golf Championships in recent memory the Taylor Trojans emerged victorious, collecting a fifth straight Crossroads League title.

The Trojans entered the final round tied with Spring Arbor and just four shots clear of Marian as TU looked to continue its recent dominance of the league. Thanks to stellar play from sophomore Drew Pickering, who tallied the best round of the day with an even-par 71, the Trojans fired a team score of 300 to edge Marian by four shots while finishing five shots ahead of Spring Arbor.

"I'm so proud of this group," Taylor coach Cameron Andry said following the victory. "These guys have worked really hard this year and each of them hit some gutsy shots down the stretch today to secure this win."

Taylor finished with a three round total of 903 (305-298-300) while Marian finished at 907 (303-304-300) followed by Spring Arbor at 908 (302-301-305).

Steady winds along with firm and fast greens created a challenge for players as they traversed the 6,615-yard, par-71 layout of Orchard Ridge Country Club during the Crossroads League Tournament's final round on Tuesday. The Trojans displayed a collective poise during the final round as all five TU players carded scores in the 70's.

In addition to Pickering's fantastic final round 71 the Trojans also counted a 74 from redshirt junior Javan Johnson to go along with a 77 from freshman Adam Kasitz and a pair of 78's from sophomores Erik Fahlen and Noah Ross.

One of the key moments during the final round occurred on the short par-4 eighth hole where Javan Johnson elicited a roar from the large throng of Taylor faithful with a chip-in eagle that moved the Trojans securely into the lead. Pickering added his own signature moment on the par-4 16th where he rolled in a 15-foot birdie putt to give TU some breathing room coming down the home stretch.

Pickering's efforts catapulted him to a tie for second place in the 45-player field with a three round total of 8-over par 221 (74-76-71) as the Indianapolis native earned a spot on the Crossroads League All-Tournament team. Johnson also earned a spot on the All-Tournament team with tie for fourth place at 10-over par 223 (75-74-74).

Fahlen finished in 11th place at 228 (79-71-78) while Kasitz finished tied for 14th at 233 (79-77-77) and Ross finished tied for 19th at 236 (77-81-78).

Taylor owned the par-5's, playing those holes ten shots better than any other team with a score of even par for the week. The Trojans also led the field in par-4 scoring while leading the field with 147 pars and posting the second most birdies at 31.

The Trojans have now won five consecutive Crossroads League tournament titles dating back to 2016. The victory marked the 13th conference championship in program history.

With the win the Trojans earned the Crossroads League's automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship scheduled for May 18-21 at TPC Deere Run in Silvia, Illinois.