Lobos Set to Dominate on Multiple Fronts: Men’s Basketball, Golf, and Track & Field Make Headlines

Lobos Set to Dominate on Multiple Fronts: Men’s Basketball, Golf, and Track & Field Make Headlines

The University of New Mexico’s athletic programs are making waves this summer, as the Lobos gear up for a challenging basketball season, celebrate academic excellence in golf, and see one of their own take on a leadership role on the international stage.

The Lobo men’s basketball team has officially announced its non-conference schedule for the 2024-2025 season, which promises to be both competitive and exciting. Head Coach Richard Pitino’s squad will face a diverse array of opponents, offering fans a glimpse of high-stakes matchups early in the season. The Lobos will kick off their campaign on November 4th at The Pit against Nicholls, setting the tone for a schedule that includes games against perennial powerhouses such as UCLA, St John’s, Arizona State, and either USC or Saint Mary’s. The end of November will be a tall task for the Lobos when they compete in the Acrisure Classic. That tournament will see the Lobos take the Sun Devils of ASU and then either USC or Saint Mary’s. As is customary in the Lobo season, they’ll face the New Mexico State Aggies on December 7 in one of their final matches before the conference season begins. Coach Pitino has emphasized the importance of the non-conference schedule in preparing his team for the rigors of Mountain West Conference play, noting that it will test their resilience and competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the Lobo golf program is celebrating a significant academic achievement as three of its standout players were named to the prestigious GCAA All-America Scholars list. The honor, awarded by the Golf Coaches Association of America, recognizes athletes who have excelled both on the course and in the classroom. Senior Bastien Amat, junior Max Steinlechner, and sophomore Lachlan Higgins were the recipients, having met the rigorous criteria that include maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 and competing in at least 50 percent of their team’s competitions. This achievement underscores the program’s commitment to fostering well-rounded student-athletes who excel in all areas of their collegiate experience. Head Coach Glen Millican expressed pride in his players’ dedication, highlighting that their academic success is as crucial as their performance in tournaments.

Adding to the Lobos’ summer of accomplishments, former UNM track star Josh Kerr has been named the captain of Team Great Britain for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Kerr, who won a bronze medal in the 1500 meters at the Tokyo Olympics, was selected by his peers to lead the British team, a testament to his leadership qualities and his stature within the sport. Since his days as a Lobo, Kerr has continued to build an impressive international career, consistently performing at the highest levels of competition. His appointment as captain is not only a personal honor but also a reflection of the respect he commands among his fellow athletes. As Kerr prepares to guide Team GB in Paris, Lobo fans can take pride in the legacy he continues to build on the global stage.

With these developments, the University of New Mexico’s athletic programs are poised to continue their tradition of excellence, both on the field and off. As the basketball team prepares for a challenging season, the golf program garners academic accolades, and a former track star steps into a leadership role at the Olympics, the Lobos are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with across multiple sports.