Cameron James Wins SLIAC Men’s Golf Medalist Honors; MUW Owls Finish Second

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Cameron James, a senior at Mississippi University for Women, captured medalist honors at the 2026 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) men’s golf championship, his final tournament with the Owls. James, a native of Royal Palm Beach, Florida, shot a 2-under-par 214 over three rounds to win by two strokes.

James was the overall leader from start to finish. After an opening two-under-par 70, he posted a 66 in the second round before finishing with a 78 in the final round. His total was the second-lowest score in SLIAC championship history, according to the conference. James earned the SLIAC Player of the Year award and first-team All-SLIAC honors.

The Owls, who had won the conference title the previous two years, finished second this time, with a team score of 889. Grinnell College claimed the team championship with a total of 886. MUW led early in the third round but couldn’t hold on as the Pioneers rallied, capitalizing on some mistakes by the Owls.

Despite graduating four of five starters from their back-to-back titles, the Owls showed resilience. Junior Alexandre Thery finished tied for sixth place with a total of 220, earning first-team All-SLIAC honors and a spot on the conference’s All-Sportsmanship Team. Transfer Bryce Denley placed tied for 12th at 224, earning second-team All-SLIAC honors.

Other MUW players included Collin Jones, who tied for 34th, and Nicklaus Ledbetter, who finished 39th. Coach Benji Williams praised his team’s effort, noting the inexperience but resilience of his players. “We fought hard, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Grinnell’s consistency,” he said.

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