Men's golfers Gauntlett, Houchin to attend Stetson University

A couple of Eastern Florida State College men's golfers have decided to attend Stetson University next season.

Matt Gauntlett and John Houchin both announced their decision during the winter break. Houchin was the first to sign but was aware that Matt was also talking to the Stetson coach.

"I had heard he was talking to the coach as well and we talked about it a little bit but we didn't know that it would end up like this," Houchin said. "It is cool because when you are moving on to another level it is nice to have a familiar friend to play with and room with."

Houchin finished in the top three twice in the fall and had a strong freshman season for the Titans. The Merritt Island native knew Stetson was the right place for him once he saw the campus.

"The campus is beautiful, the class size is really good, it has an intimate learning environment and the coach is really cool," Houchin said. "I really like his mind set and he is focused on taking the program to new heights which is something I want to be a part of."

Gauntlett also liked the coach and he wanted to stay south making Stetson the perfect landing spot for the first team Ping NJCAA All-American who also earned All-District and All-Freshman team honors.

"The big thing for me was going somewhere with a high-level program, like we have here with coach Howell – it had to be equal to him if not better, if that is even possible," Gauntlett said. "It definitely helped knowing John was going there, I know John isn't going to make any bad decisions and he had other offers so for him to turn those down to go to Stetson, reassured me that it was a good place to be."

Houchin, Gauntlett and the rest of the Eastern Florida State College men's golf team will open the spring season at the Titan Winter Invitational at Suntree Country Club on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.