ST. CLAIRSVILLE – When Saul Crist started the college-selection process, he already had a good feel for both the University of Pikeville campus and golf program.

He has made several trips to the school that is located some five hours from the Ohio Valley in Pikeville, Ky. to visit his older brother, Broc.

When it came time for Saul to make his own decision the familiarity factor was simply too much to ignore. Thus, Crist will join his brother and continue his academic and golf careers at UPike, which competes in NAIA.

“I learned a lot from my brother and he’s really paved the way for me,” Saul Crist said.

“He’s been a great role model, and I look forward to following in his foot steps.”

Obviously, there was more to the decision than just his brother’s presence that played a factor for Crist.

“I contemplated a lot of schools, but UPike is the best fit for me and a place I feel I can succeed,” Crist continued. “I feel like I can bring a lot to their team. I look forward to working hard and trying to get into the top five and put some scores up that can help the team.”

Crist had a strong career for the Red Devils and was one of the leaders for Coach Ryan Clifford’s squad last fall when it won the Buckeye 8, OVAC and advanced to the district tournament.

Crist finished with a 9-hole average of 38 for 9 holes and 79 for 18. He won the Buckeye 8 championship and earned a spot on the All-OVAC team.

His 9-hole average was a three-shot improvement from his junior season in which he earned All-OVAC, All-Buckeye 8 and All-OVGL.

“I just have to keep practicing every aspect of the game,” Crist said. “My game has changed tremendously since I was a freshman. I was just glad to be in the top five then. My skills have really improved. But, it’s a game you have to continue to improve in. I want to continue to get stronger to add length to my game, too.”

Along with golf, Crist was active in basketball and baseball during his prep career.

Saul, who is the son of Brian and Stephany Crist, plans to major in either chemistry or biology with hopes of entering the medical field.