July 21, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College golfer Arie Jackman is headed to Central Michigan University, selected to be part of the university’s first golf team in 37 years.
CMU men's golf coach Kevin Jennings late last month announced his inaugural class of eight signees, all graduating high school or community college at or near the top of their respective classes, according to the university.
Jackman graduated from GRCC after attending Caledonia High School. This year he was GRCC’s captain and shot a 224 to capture medalist honors and win by eight strokes at the Michigan Community College Athletic Association championship.
His time at GRCC included earning All-MCCAA and All-Region honors and maintaining a 3.75 grade point average. His finished the season ranked No. 82 in the NJCAA Division I and II.
"Initially the thing I like about these guys is that they're all intelligent," Jennings said in a CMU post. "They prove it through their academics. They're great people and hard workers. Those elements allow for us for us to create a solid foundation for the revitalized Chippewa men's golf program and where we would like to go and eventually be."
CMU, located in Mt. Pleasant, competes in the Mid-American Conference in the NCAA’s Division I.
"We will work tirelessly to provide them with the resources to move them towards their desire to improve and be more competitive. I tell them, 'We can write this story the way we want to; we are an open book with blank pages. These guys are willing to step up and take the challenge of a new Division I program."