CHESTERTON, Ind. (September 16, 2019) – Led by impressive efforts from across its lineup, the Loyola University Chicago men's golf team finds itself near the top of the team leaderboard after the first day of the Crusader Collegiate in Chesterton, Ind.
 
The Ramblers currently sit in third place in the team race with a 36-hole tally of 579 (286-293) that was highlighted by a two-under-par 286 during opening-round play today at the par-72, 6,972-yard Sand Creek Country Club.  Wright State (284-283=567) resides atop the team standings, while the Raiders' Mikkel Mathieson fired a sparkling eight-under-par 136 (69-67) to seize control in the chase for medalist honors.
 
Leading the charge for the Maroon & Gold today was junior Devin Johnson.  The Geneva, Ill. native finished the day with a team-best nine birdies, carding respective rounds of 71 and 70 en route a three-under-par 141 (71-70) that has him tied for third.  Fellow junior Tyler Anderson also finds himself inside the top 10.  Anderson opened his morning with a one-under-par 71 before turning in an even-par 72 to close the day at 143 (71-72), tied for ninth.
 
Sophomore Nate Vance put together a pair of strong rounds, firing back-to-back even-par 72s to move into a tie for 11^th place at 144 (72-72).  Freshman Timmy Crawford got his collegiate career off to a fast start, carding a 72 of his own during first-round play as he finished the afternoon as part of a tie for 49^th at 152 (72-80).  Junior Ryan Magee turned in consecutive rounds of 79 to round out the Rambler starting five with a 158 that has him tied for 73^rd.  Freshman Zach Walsh, who is competing as an individual this week, finds himself tied for 49^th after posting a 152 (74-78).
 
The final round of the Crusader Collegiate will get underway with tee times ranging from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning.