HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, FL--The Winthrop men's golf team captured the championship of the 54-hole Mission Inn Collegiate Classic as the Eagles fired a final round of 294 on Sunday.

Finishing in a tie for second place were Charleston Southern and Elon at 872 while Illinois State finished fourth at 874 in the 20-team field.

"Our kids played exceptionally well for three days," said Winthrop head coach Eddie Weldon.  "They played smart and they really fought hard for us and that makes me feel better about our victory than anything else."

Winthrop led the tourney from day one and entered the final round with a four shot lead over CSU. 

The Eagles were led Sunday by sophomore Steve Alminas who shot an even par 71 to finish in a three-way for third overall in the medalist competition at 213 (70-72-71).

His younger brother Pete, a freshman, tied for 10th place at 217 (73-70-74) while junior Luke Elfner shot 218 (75-69-74) to tie for 13th.  Paul Heiser tied for 26th with a 223 (73-75-75) score while freshman Michael Goldberg shot a 232 (73-78-81) and finished 62nd.

"Our old heads, Luke Elfner and Steve Alminas just played spectacular golf for three days and really contributed.  But I was just as pleased with the play of our freshmen Pete Alminas and Michael Goldberg, and Paul Heiser, a sophomore" said Weldon.  "They posted low scores when we needed them and it was a real true team effort."

Winthrop returns to action Oct. 25 when the Eagles play in the Seascape Invitational at Nags Head, NC.