CARLSBAD, Calif. (6/1/26) – Thomas Schmidt tied for 16th at the NCAA Championships at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, capping a four-year run that stands among the best in A-State and Sun Belt Conference men's golf history.
 
With the Red Wolves making their debut at the NCAA Championships, Schmidt finished up at 5-under par 283 for the tournament. His tie for 16th ranks as the second-highest individual finish by a Sun Belt Conference men's golf student-athlete at the championship site. Steven Fisk of Georgia Southern finished second at the 2019 NCAA Championships to hold the best finish.
 
"I think that's a very, very good accomplishment for me to finish my career on this stage," said Schmidt. "With all the wins I have had, the made cuts and stuff, I think this is definitely a special place for representing A-State on the national level. It's been a joy representing the Red Wolves. All we've lived through together, the Bubba Barnett Intercollegiate tournaments, the A-State Spring Invitationals, all the second family I've made in Jonesboro that supported me all four years."
 
Schmidt wraps up his brilliant career with a program-record stroke average of 70.85 over 136 rounds played. With today's tie for 16th finish, Schmidt totaled 31 top 25 finishes in 45 tournaments played. He has a program record seven wins, including a single-season record three this season. With his final round 1-under par 71 Monday, Schmidt has a program record 92 par or better rounds.
 
"I wouldn't want this any differently for Thomas really, besides maybe sneaking into the top 15 or top 10," said A-State head coach Mike Hagen. "Thomas had a great career here and the best career by an A-State golfer and its not even close. He'll greatly be missed, but a lot of people if you look at these bigger golf programs, you don't leave a legacy behind at some of those places. Thomas was here and he was here for four years, loved Arkansas State, loved his teammates, loved the Jonesboro community, and he truly leaves a legacy."
 
Led by Schmidt, the Red Wolves capped the 2025-26 season in 22nd at the NCAA Championships. The squad won their third Sun Belt Conference title, won four total events, and finished inside the top four in 10 of 12 events. As a team, A-State finished with a single-season program record 282.53 (70.63) stroke average.
 
"This was a huge step for our program," said Hagen. "We've been ranked top 25 before and done a lot of good things, but I think it says a lot for these guys and this program to come out here and finish in the top 25. It wasn't a computer, it wasn't a coaches poll, we actually had to go out there and do it. I really think this elevates our program even more."
 
Fans are encouraged to gather in the parking lot south of Centennial Bank Stadium at 4:15 p.m. (CT) on Tuesday to welcome home the Red Wolves.