Goodyear, AZ. – The Western New Mexico University men's golf team finished up the opening day of the RJGA Palm Valley Classic in Goodyear, Arizona and ended in 16th of 20 teams. The Mustangs had an opening two rounds of 292-284 (E) to begin the 54 hole event at Palm Valley Golf Club.

Jayden Schmitz (Oro Valley, AZ/Ironwood Ridge HS) led the way for the Mustangs with an impressive 36-hole total of (-3) to finish the day in tied 23rd. Schmitz would have rounds of 72-69 with 5 birdies in the opening round and added another 6 in round two. Jonty Butcher (Barnsley, GB/Penistone Grammar School) was next for the Mustangs with an opening two rounds of 71-72 (-1) to be in T45. Butcher would have 8 birdies on the day and an eagle. Jacob Alcorta (Silver City/Silver HS) would end the day with rounds of 73-72 for a (+1) total and would record 6 birdies on the day. Alcorta is in T57 after the opening day's play.

Max Kaesebier (Bad Langensalza, Germany/Pierre-de-Coubertin Gymnasium) opened the tournament with rounds of 77-71 (+4) to finish the day in T75.  Rounding out the lineup for the Mustangs, Jack Wadsworth (Plain City, UT/Fremont HS) would end the day with rounds of 76-79 (+11) and is in 104th. As an individual, Elijah Salazar (Santa Fe, NM/Saint Michael's HS) finished the day with rounds of 76 and 73 to finish at (+5), ending the day in tied 83rd.

The Mustangs will begin the final round of the RJGA Palm Valley Classic, tomorrow, April 7th at 07:30AM at Palm Valley Golf Club.

  Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).