July 10, 2009

NORMAN, Okla. – For the second consecutive year seniors Ben Bastel (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) and Ben Wood (St. Louis, Mo.) have been honored for their work both in the classroom and on the golf course as the Golf Coaches Association of America, in conjunction with Cleveland Golf, has named the two Division I Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholars.

Bastel, who finished his Miami career with a 3.44 GPA while earning a degree in finance, was previously honored in 2009 as the MAC’s Earl Yestingsmeier Sportsman of the Year recipient at the conference tournament. He was the top Miami finisher in four tournaments during the 2008-09 season, including two top-10 finishes.

Wood graduated with a 3.20 GPA and a degree in marketing. He earned second-team All-MAC honors as a junior including being named MAC Co-Golfer of the Week after finishing third at the Hoosier Invitational. He was the RedHawks’ top finisher at the MAC Tournament, tying for 15th with a 296.

"Obviously we are thrilled to see this special recognition from the GCAA for Ben Wood and Ben Bastel," said head coach Casey Lubahn. "They are to fantastic leaders who have contributed so much to our golf program. These guys' efforts have had a major impact on the history of our program and we appreciate their hard work on the golf course and especially the classroom."

To be eligible for Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar status an individual must be a junior or senior academically and compete in at least two full years at the collegiate level, participate in 70-percent of his team's competitive rounds or compete in the NCAA Championships, have a stroke average under 76.0 in Division I and maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2. A recipient must also be of high moral character and be in good standing at his college or university. A total of 108 players earned the honor in Division I.