After limited action and a general growing feeling of discomfort at IUP, Jeff Mankins is leaving the golf program.
With three years of eligibility remaining, the Greensburg Salem graduate is transferring to Towson, meaning he will go from a Division II team to one that plays at the Division-I level.
Why Towson? It was happenstance.
“IUP just wasn’t the right fit for me,” said Mankins, who played in one tournament at IUP. “I played a golf tournament with Justin Griffith, who is on Towson’s team. I explained to him what was going on and that I was in the (NCAA transfer) portal. He told me I should look into playing at Towson and had me contact his coach. From there, me and coach (Mike) Larkin had talked a couple times, and he ended up coming to watch me a couple of times.”
Mankins, who flirted with the idea of giving up college golf, will have an opportunity to earn a scholarship.
Towson plays in the Colonial Athletic Association.
“I really like what they’re working toward and what they’re doing down at Towson,” he said. “All the guys on the team seem awesome, and coach Larkin is a super, super good guy. Towson seems like a place where I can get a lot better and play in bigger events. I’m super excited to get down there and get to work.
“It should be a lot of fun and a better opportunity for me.”
Next Three, Towson 24’?
I am extremely blessed and excited to announce that I will being attending Towson University in the fall. I would like to thank Coach Larkin for the opportunity. Also appreciate my friends and family for the constant support. Excited to get to work! pic.twitter.com/zwmMXtKxpe
— Jeffrey Mankins (@jmankins5_) July 28, 2021
