PALM COAST, Fla. – Asbury University captured its first-ever National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championship as the men's golf team won the 2021 title today at the Hammock Beach Resort Ocean Course.

The Eagles, who entered the final round with a three-stroke lead, sealed the victory by seven shots with a three-day total of 918. Cedarville University finished second at 925, followed by Malone University (931) and Grace College (935).

Asbury was led by senior standout Marcos Ezcurra who posted scores of 73, 72, and 78 (223 | +7 | T1st). He tied for individual medalist honors and was edged out in a playoff on the third hole. Ezcurra, along with his teammates Victor Vargas and Garrett Sturges, was named to the NCCAA All-American team.

Vargas finished the Championship in fourth place (226 | 73-77-76 | +10), while Sturges tied for eighth place (232 | 80-77-75 | +16). The AU lineup was rounded out by Juan Valdivieso and Nathan Stine, both of whom earned NCCAA Mideast All-Region honors last month.

"This is a great day for Asbury golf," said Head Coach Scott Ferguson who was honored as the 2021 NCCAA Coach of the Year. "We've been talking about competing in this Championship since the beginning of the fall season. I am so proud of this team and their ability to compete and win, particularly on a challenging golf course in windy conditions."

"I pray that we can continue to build this program and honor God in the process." Ferguson added. "I also want to thank the NCCAA for making this such a special event for all the student-athletes. It was an experience that we'll never forget."

NCCAA All-Americans:

Marcos Ezcurra
Victor Vargas
Garrett Sturges
 

NCCAA Coach of the Year:

Scott Ferguson
 

Final Championship Results

2021 NCCAA National Championship (Team Results): https://thenccaa.org/documents/2021/10/20//MG3_Team_Leaderboard.pdf?id=8435
 

2021 NCCAA National Championship (Individual Results): https://thenccaa.org/documents/2021/10/20//MG3_Player_Leaderboard.pdf?id=8437