BOULDER CREEK, Nev. - The No. 10 ranked Colorado State University Pueblo ThunderWolves opened play at the Las Vegas Desert Classic with a grind-it-out performance on one of the most important courses they will see all season.
Competing at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nevada — just outside of Las Vegas — the Pack sit in 15th place out of 20 teams after round one of the event, hosted by the University of Missouri-St. Louis. While the leaderboard may not reflect their standard just yet, the ThunderWolves remain well within striking distance, sitting only 12 shots back of the first-round leaders, Florida Southern University, the No. 4 ranked team in the country, which posted a 1-over-par team score in difficult, windy conditions.
The week carries added significance for CSU Pueblo. Boulder Creek Golf Club will serve as the site of the 2026 NCAA Division II National Championships in May and will also host the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships later this April. Every round this week provides valuable experience on a course the ThunderWolves expect to see again — with far more on the line.
On a demanding opening day that tested patience and ball-striking in swirling desert winds, CSU Pueblo was led by Paraic McGrath. The junior fired a steady 2-over-par 74, positioning himself well individually on a course that yielded few low numbers.
Kyle Leydon followed closely behind with a 3-over 75, battling through the gusts and firm greens. Senior captain Archie Wyatt and Marius Dosiere each carded 4-over 76s to round out the ThunderWolves' counting scores. Jake Johnston's 6-over 78 served as the squad's throwout score in round one.
While the team score left room for improvement, one of the brightest performances of the day came from individual competitor Callum Kenneally. The ThunderWolf delivered an even-par 72, highlighted by a remarkable eagle on the 419-yard 10th hole — holing out for a two on the par-4 in one of the most electrifying moments of the round for the Pack.
Despite the opening-round challenge, the ThunderWolves remain well within reach of a significant climb up the leaderboard. With only a dozen shots separating them from the lead and multiple rounds still to play, the margin leaves plenty of opportunity on a course that demands resilience and precision.
CSU Pueblo returns to the course tomorrow with late tee times beginning at 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time, looking to use their familiarity with the championship venue to make a move up the standings.
