Slade named NEC Golfer of the Year, joins Buschmann and Tombs on First Team All-Conference

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University golf team junior McKinley Slade (Saunderstown, R.I.) has been rewarded for an incredible season by being named the Northeast Conference Golfer of the Year, the league announced Tuesday.

Slade joins fellow junior Ryan Tombs (Bedford, N.H.) and senior Kyle Buschmann (East Haddam, Conn.) on the First Team All-Conference.

Guided by the three, the Bulldogs finished fifth or better in nine of the 10 events they competed in. The team finished second twice in the fall season and claimed an overall win at the NEIGA Division I Championship from October 25-26 with a two-round score of 608 (+32).

The Bulldogs won the Rhode Island Invitational from April 18-19 in the third tournament of the spring season with a three-round score of 872 (+8), and were just toppled by Wagner College in the Northeast Conference Championship in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Bulldogs trailed by nine strokes heading into the third and final round, and trailed by five strokes heading into the 18th and final hole of the third day, but were able to force a playoff on 18. The Seahawks prevailed in the playoff, but it marked the third-straight season that Bryant had either won or finished second in the NEC Tournament.

All three competed in the 10 events in 2015-16, as Slade becomes the first Bulldog since Jason Thresher ('10) in 2009-10 to earn Golfer of the Year in the NEC. The junior had one of the best individual seasons and best springs in program history. Slade led the team with seven top-10 finishes and three second-place finishes, including two in the spring at the Towson Spring Invitational (75-71=146) and Rhode Island Invitational (76-69-69=213). He earned NEC Golfer of the Month honors three times this season and shot a team and league-best average score of 72.8 in 25 rounds of play.   

"I'm so proud about the way McKinley played this year and the consistency he showed throughout the season," said Bryant head coach Charlie Blanchard. "He really elevated his game as a junior and he really deserves this award because of the work he has put in. He matured immensely and learned how to control the golf ball, not just with the eight and distance but managing his game accordingly. He is going to be a huge part of this program's success as a senior and I'm really excited to see him continue on the path he has created for himself."

Buschmann, the reigning All-NEC Second Team selection and All-NEC First Team nod in 2013-14, wrapped up his Bulldog career with another stellar season. The senior finished fourth on the team with an average score of 74.6. He had five top-10 finishes and one of two individual victories for Bryant this year thanks to a three-round score of 206, 10-under par at the Hartford Hawk Invitational from Sept. 21-22.

"Kyle had another outstanding year and he has been the backbone of our program over the last four years," said Blanchard. "Along with fellow senior Joe Walp, who had a fantastic season as well, he and Kyle had been the leaders of this team over the last four years and I'm very proud of the way both finished their careers. It is a well-deserved honor for Kyle."

Tombs becomes a First Team All-Conference selection for the second time after he led the Bulldogs with four top-three finishes, including a near victory at the NEC Championship from April 30-May 1. The junior was tied for the overall lead following the conclusion of the third round, forcing a playoff. He was just edged out in the playoff, but he finished the season with an average score of 73.2.  

"Ryan has now finished runner-up in the conference championship all three of his years with Bryant and he has been an outstanding contributor to this team," said Blanchard. "He is one of the best ball strikers in the conference and has a phenomenal short game. With McKinley and Ryan returning next season as seniors, I'm expecting another solid year and run at an NEC title and we are really looking forward to September."