Sophomore men's golfer Santiago Ruiz has been named the IUPUI Male Athlete of the Month for his efforts during the month of March. The native of Colombia had a team-best 73.8 stroke average in two events, spanning five rounds.
Ruiz collected his first collegiate tournament win by capturing the Beu/Mussatto Invitational with a 54-hole, 1-over 217 (73-74-70) at the Harry Mussatto Golf Course. Ruiz was tied for 11th overall before firing a final round 2-under 70, helping push the Jaguars to a runner-up finish. He was later named The Summit League's Golfer of the Week for this first time in his career after the tournament win.
Ruiz opened the month with a 152 (75-77) at the Benbow Invitational at Jacksonville Beach Golf Club in Jacksonville Beach, Fla., finishing as IUPUI's No. 3 finisher.
All total, Ruiz helped IUPUI to a 21-6 record, going 8-5 at the Benbow Invite and 13-1 at the Beu/Mussatto event.
At month's end, Ruiz ranked second on the team with a 76.48 stroke average and topped the squad with a 73.80 scoring average during the spring slate.
