The Missouri Southern men’s golf team has made the 20-team field for the NCAA Division II Midwest/South Central Super Regional, to be played May 4-6 at The Meadows Golf Club in Allendale, Mich.

The Lions found themselves in uncharted territory this season after the NCAA reconfigured its regions.

Head Coach Kevin Greim believes the decision, grounded largely in a desire to standardize the playing field, may have helped some schools but hurt others.

“Being assigned to the new region definitely had its disadvantages,” Greim said, “We have to play against some really great teams. It was harder to advance to regionals but we made it and that is a big accomplishment.”

Most recently, the Lions finished third at the 2009 MIAA Golf Tournament at Shoal Creek Golf Club in Kansas City.

“Everybody has done their part this season,” Greim said.

New to the team this year is freshman Andy Hogenmiller. Hogenmiller, who was named to the All-MIAA squad, also nabbed the 2009 Freshman of the Year title.

“Andy has really provided the team with some great stability,” Greim said. “There is a big difference between posting a 72 and 76 and Andy constantly delivers solid scores week after week.”

Junior David Eddy was also named to the All-MIAA team.

Sophomore Taylor Griffith was an honorable mention All-MIAA selection.

The team has consistently finished third behind Washburn University and the University of Central Missouri.

Greim realizes it will take more than consistency to do well as Regionals.

“It’s not about consistency,” Greim said. “It’s about excellence.”

Although the two regions compete at each Super Regional site, they do not necessarily compete against each other.

The top five teams from both regions, regardless of what region they’re in, as well as the top two individuals not on an advancing team, will advance to the national tournament which will be held May 19-22 at Loomis Trail Golf Club in Blaine, Washington.

In the wake the recent cuts of the men’s soccer and women’s tennis teams, the team is enjoying the cooperation and accommodation of three area courses.

The team practices on a rotating basis at Eagle Creek Golf Club (formerly Loma Linda), Briarbrook Country Club and Twin Hills Country Club.

“We’ve been given no indication by the administration that another sport is being looked at,” Greim said. “We’ve got kids committed for next season and are moving along with confidence.”