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Loyola Maryland Golf Star Crowley Secures Top-20 at NCAA Regional

by user · May 15, 2025







Loyola Maryland Golf Star Crowley Secures Top-20 at NCAA Regional

Loyola Maryland Golf Star Crowley Secures Top-20 at NCAA Regional

In a thrilling finish at the Auburn University Club, Loyola Maryland’s own Mike Crowley clinched a top-20 spot at the NCAA Regional Golf tournament. This milestone marks a fitting end to his remarkable collegiate career, showcasing grit, skill, and a birdie on the final hole that sealed his place among the elite. Let’s unpack his journey, the team’s performance, and what this means for the future of Loyola Maryland Golf.

Crowley’s Clutch Performance at NCAA Regional Golf

Mike Crowley’s performance at the Auburn University Club during the NCAA Regional Golf event was nothing short of inspiring. Facing a grueling 7,607-yard course, he tied for 20th with a 3-over-par 216 total, a feat highlighted by a dramatic birdie on his 54th hole. That final putt jumped him up five spots, turning a solid outing into a career-defining moment.

Starting strong, Crowley showed nerves of steel in the first round. He carded a 1-under 71, securing a tie for 10th with an impressive 15 pars. It was a sign of things to come, even if the next two rounds challenged his consistency.

Breaking Down the Rounds at Auburn

Let’s take a closer look at how Crowley tackled the NCAA Regional Golf tournament:

  • Round 1: A stellar 1-under 71, tying for 10th with steady play and minimal errors.
  • Round 2: A slight dip to 1-over 73, but he held his ground among fierce competition.
  • Final Round: A tougher 4-over 76, yet that last-hole birdie proved his ability to finish under pressure.

The Auburn course, with its tricky pin placements and demanding layout, tested every golfer. Crowley’s ability to adapt and persevere speaks volumes about his growth as a player over the years.

Loyola Maryland Golf: A Team on the Rise

While Crowley’s individual achievement stole the spotlight, the Loyola Maryland Golf team also made their mark at the NCAA Regional Golf event. The Greyhounds finished 12th in a stacked 13-team field, holding their own against nine top-50 programs. It’s a result that underscores the program’s depth and potential.

Freshman Eli Spaulding stepped up big time, leading the team in the final round with a 2-over 74. Seniors like Jackson Roman and junior Gustavo Rangel also contributed with consistent +14 scores, showing that Loyola’s success isn’t just tied to one star player.

A Legacy of Excellence for the Greyhounds

This NCAA Regional appearance wasn’t a fluke for Loyola Maryland Golf. Consider these program milestones:

  • Their third NCAA Regional appearance in just four years.
  • A seventh Patriot League title since 2013, cemented by their 2025 championship win.
  • A staggering 24 conference championships overall, a testament to sustained dominance.

These stats aren’t just numbers—they reflect a culture of winning. How does a mid-major program like Loyola keep punching above its weight? It starts with leadership and a clear vision, which brings us to the man behind the scenes.

Mike Crowley: Building a Storied Collegiate Career

Mike Crowley isn’t just a name on a leaderboard; he’s a cornerstone of Loyola Maryland Golf history. As a five-year starter, he’s left an indelible mark with stats and honors that few can match. His journey from promising freshman to NCAA Regional standout is one worth celebrating.

Career Stats That Speak Volumes

Numbers often tell the story of an athlete’s impact, and Crowley’s are impressive:

  • A 73.43 scoring average in the 2023-24 season, averaging just +1.77 versus par.
  • Sixteen rounds at or under par during the 2022-23 season alone.
  • Ranked No. 530 in the final Golfweek/Sagarin rankings, a solid standing nationally.

These figures highlight a player who isn’t just talented but relentlessly consistent. Whether it’s grinding out pars or sinking crucial birdies, Crowley has been a model of reliability.

Accolades Beyond the Fairway

What sets Crowley apart isn’t just his swing—it’s his balance of academics and athletics. Take a look at some of his notable honors:

Award Season
All-Patriot League First Team 2022-23
Academic All-Patriot League 2022-23
Patriot League Academic Honor Roll 2023-24

Being a student-athlete at this level ain’t easy. Balancing early morning practices with late-night study sessions takes discipline, and Crowley has it in spades. Ever wonder how someone maintains a GPA while competing nationally? It’s all about priorities, and he’s clearly got his straight.

Coach Chris Baloga: The Architect of Success

Behind every great team—and player—there’s often a coach who sets the tone. For Loyola Maryland Golf, that’s Chris Baloga. His philosophy isn’t just about winning tournaments; it’s about preparing players for pressure-packed moments like the NCAA Regional Golf stage.

Baloga’s strategy is simple but effective: schedule tough opponents early, build confidence through competition, and focus on stroke-play consistency. “We play hard teams to shake off any intimidation before postseason,” he’s been quoted as saying. It’s a mindset that led to a 91-70-5 stroke play record for the 2024-25 season.

Shaping Champions On and Off the Course

Baloga doesn’t just coach golf—he coaches resilience. By prioritizing merit-based roster selections, he ensures players earn their spots through performance, not favoritism. This approach fosters a competitive yet supportive team culture, something Crowley credits for his own growth.

Speaking of culture, it’s no accident that Loyola players often rave about Baloga’s mentorship. Crowley himself has noted how the coach’s belief in him pushed him to aim higher. Ever had a mentor who saw more in you than you saw in yourself? That’s the kind of impact Baloga has.

The NCAA Regional Golf Challenge: Auburn’s Tough Terrain

The NCAA Regional Golf tournament at Auburn wasn’t just a test of skill—it was a battle against one of the toughest courses in college golf. The Auburn University Club, stretching over 7,607 yards with a 75.4 course rating, demanded precision and patience. Add in top-tier competition, and you’ve got a recipe for high drama.

Who Else Was in the Field?

The field at Auburn was stacked, featuring some of the best college programs in the nation:

  • No. 1 Auburn, finishing at -13 as a team.
  • No. 13 UCLA, coming in at -5.
  • No. 25 Georgia Tech, rounding out the top with -4.

Competing against these powerhouses, Loyola Maryland Golf held their own. Finishing 12th in such company isn’t just respectable—it’s a statement. Imagine lining up against the best and still walking away with your head held high. That’s exactly what the Greyhounds did.

What Made the Course So Tough?

The Auburn University Club isn’t kind to errors. Here’s what made it a beast:

  • Tift Eagle greens, renovated in 2022 for lightning-fast speeds.
  • Twelve newly added bunkers, punishing even slightly wayward shots.
  • A sprawling layout that challenged both distance and accuracy.

Every round was a mental and physical grind. For Crowley to birdie the last hole under these conditions? That’s the kind of clutch play you don’t forget.

What’s Next for Loyola Maryland Golf?

With Crowley’s collegiate chapter closing, the spotlight shifts to the future of Loyola Maryland Golf. The good news? Four starters are returning, and a strong recruiting class is on the way. The Greyhounds aren’t just rebuilding—they’re reloading for another deep postseason run.

Goals on the Horizon

The team has clear targets as they look ahead:

  • Continue their dominance in the Patriot League with another title.
  • Secure back-to-back NCAA Regional Golf appearances.
  • Develop emerging talents like Eli Spaulding, currently ranked No. 943 nationally.

With Coach Baloga at the helm and a roster hungry for success, don’t be surprised if Loyola keeps making noise on the national stage. Young players like Spaulding are already showing flashes of brilliance. Who do you think will be the next breakout star for the Greyhounds?

Why Crowley’s Story Matters to Golf Fans

Mike Crowley’s T-20 finish at the NCAA Regional Golf tournament isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a reminder of what makes college golf so special. It’s about underdogs rising to the occasion, about years of hard work paying off in a single, unforgettable moment. For Loyola Maryland Golf, it’s another chapter in a growing legacy.

Think about it: a mid-major player going toe-to-toe with the sport’s biggest names on a brutal course like Auburn. That’s the kind of story that inspires the next generation. Maybe you’ve got a young golfer in your life who dreams of moments like this. What lessons could they take from Crowley’s grit?

Wrapping Up: Share Your Thoughts

As we celebrate Mike Crowley’s incredible run at the NCAA Regional Golf event and Loyola Maryland Golf’s bright future, I’d love to hear from you. What stood out most about Crowley’s performance? Are you rooting for the Greyhounds to make another deep run next season? Drop a comment below or share this post with fellow golf enthusiasts.

If you’re hungry for more stories on college golf or want to dive deeper into Loyola’s journey, check out some related articles on the Loyola Athletics site. Let’s keep the conversation going!

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