INDIANA, Pa. – IUP head men's golf coach
Dan Braun announced the addition to two talented student-athletes, which make up the Crimson Hawks' 2024 signing class.
The signing class includes Ben De Castro of Toronto, Ontario and Trevor Todd of Indiana, Pennsylvania.
"Both Ben and Trevor possess a tireless work ethic, whether it be on the golf course or in the classroom,"
Braun said. "They have both show the competitiveness it takes to elevate their games to the next level and have the ability to contribute to our program immediately upon their arrival to campus this August."
The duo joins an IUP golf program that has been the region's most successful over the last half-century. The Crimson Hawks own a record 32 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championships, have qualified for a record 26 straight NCAA regional championships, and have been part of the Division II championship tournament 35 times since 1972.
Ben De Castro
Toronto, Ontario Canada / Blyth Academy Lawrence Park
>> Has eight wins on the Maple Leaf Junior Tour from 2018-23
>> Seven total wins in 2023
>> Three-time MJT Ontario Order of Merrit Winner (2018, 2020, 2023)
>> Tied for sixth at Maple Leaf Junior Tour nationals with rounds of 75, 71 and 75
>> Tied for fourth at CJGA Mizuno Nationals (69, 73, 75, 68)
>> Tied for seventh at Ontario U19 Junior Tour Championship (75, 74, 75)
Coach
Braun on De Castro: "From the start of the recruiting process, Ben seemed like a natural fit. The mutual interest certainly made the process move along swiftly. It helped that the culture Ben was looking for in a university and collegiate golf program was in lockstep with what both IUP and IUP men's golf have to offer. On the flip side, Ben not only possesses but exudes the qualities I look for in a member of the program and what the current student-athletes look for in a teammate. We are all looking forward to seeing what Ben can accomplish during his collegiate career with IUP men's golf."
Trevor Todd
Indiana, Pa. / Indiana Area HS
>> C.R. Miller Match Play Invitational Champion (2023)
>> HJGT Toftrees Jr. Open Champion (2023)
>> HJGT Pittsburgh Jr. Open Runner-Up (2023)
>> Finished tied for 10th at 2022 TSPGA Amateur Championship
>> Recorded three wins on TSPGA Junior Tour
>> Has played golf since competing in US Kids Junior Tour; 14 career wins
>> Multi-sport athlete in high school; member of playoff team in basketball at Indiana Area HS
>> Played high school golf at Indiana Country Club, the home course for IUP
Coach
Braun on Todd: "Trevor grew up in Indiana and at the Indiana Country Club, so I have had the pleasure of watching him develop as a young man both on and off the golf course. The student-athletes on the team were familiar with Trevor as their paths have crossed at the course throughout their careers. The team and I are very excited to have him as part of the IUP men's golf program. I believe the success he has experienced through his many years of competitive golf will undoubtedly steer him to a successful career at IUP."
Follow
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