Milligan men’s and women’s disc golf teams swept the Southeast Collegiate Open, with the men’s Division I “A” team winning the regional qualifier and securing a bid to nationals. The Buffs will send teams in every division to the national championship.
The 2025 SECO, a regional qualifier held in Spartanburg, South Carolina, awarded bids to the 2025 College Disc Golf National Championship. Milligan’s Division I team earned its bid despite challenging weather conditions.
Milligan’s men’s Division II “B” team was the highest-finishing Division II team in the Mixed Amateur 1 field. The women’s team won by 10 strokes, and the men’s Division III “C” team claimed victory in the Mixed Amateur 2 division.
Ben Wagner, member of the men’s Division 1 team and first-year master’s student in coaching and sport management, reflected on the team’s perseverance.
“I’m proud of how we never gave up. We faced brutal conditions—wind, rain, and cold—and while many players gave up, we pushed through,” Wagner said. “This was our first team regional win ever, and we couldn’t be more excited.”
Ethan Bishop, also on the men’s Division 1 team and a graduate student in coaching and sport management, shared his excitement.
“It was an incredible experience, especially having our teammates and coaches walk with us during the final round,” Bishop said. “Winning our first-ever regional tournament as a team and securing our Division I bid makes it even more exciting. We’re looking forward to the next regional and the national tournament. We plan on making a run for the championship!”
Lily Marr, a senior fine arts major, competed on the winning women’s team.
“The team had a fantastic tournament, especially considering the conditions. We dug in our heels in the freezing rain and wind and relied on our teammates for support,” Marr said. “Overall, our team is the strongest it’s ever been. Other teams at nationals better watch out!”
The Milligan Buffs will compete at College Disc Golf National Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina, April 2–5.
Photo1: D1 team, Photo by Grace Sanderson
Photo2: D1 team, Photo by Grace Sanderson
Photo3: Bishop photo, Photo by Chase Farler
Photo4: Marr photo, Photo by Chase Farler
by Alissa Smith