DENVER - The University of Denver men's golf head coach Erik Billinger and assistant Patrick Kent announced Tuesday the signing of John Sand and Jackson Solem. The duo will continue their academic and athletic careers with the Pioneers beginning next fall.

Sand will join the program by way of Hoquiam, Wash. The incoming freshman has spent the last year at Hoquiam High School, winning the 2010 WIGA state championship and the 2014 1A state title. Sand comes from a large family, consisting of four siblings (two brothers, two sisters).

"John is the type of player that is impressive in everything he does," Billinger said. "He is very disciplined and talented and will help lead this team to an extremely high level. His has a solid all-around game with his strength being he has the ability to take advantage of the par 5s, and has wonderful touch around the greens."

The Hoquiam High standout also is a reigning three-time 1A district champion. He also is the four-time 1A league MVP.

"I knew the first time I watched him that he was a special player and one of the hardest working kids I know," Billinger said. "I look forward to getting the opportunity to coach him for 4 years. Coach Kent and I welcome him to the DU Golf Family."

Sand also enjoys playing the piano, ping-pong and basketball and chose DU because of the fantastic coaching staff and the high level of academic excellence the university is known for.

Solem joins Denver from just up the road in Longmont. The senior currently resides at Longmont Christian and chose the Pioneers because of the great environment to improve as a person, student and player. The Colorado native turned down offers of Arizona, Colorado, San Diego and Stanford.

"Jackson is going to be a huge addition to DU Golf," Billinger said. "He is the best player in Colorado and the current high school state champion. I love his accuracy, consistency and grit. His game is very mature already as he understands how to work his way around any course. He also brings belief, confidence, character and big dreams - which is the first step to our clear goal of becoming a national championship contending team. I am really looking forward to coaching and mentoring Jackson and we welcome him to the DU Golf family."

Jackson is a four-time conference player of the year to go along with being the state champion in 2015. He nearly repeated the feat this fall, finishing as the runner-up. The future DU golfer has spent the last two seasons averaging under 70 during the year. Jackson also took home all-state honors this past season.

"Jackson and John embody everything DU Men's golf is about," Kent added. "These are elite-caliber athletes with a passion for the game of golf and a love for DU and everything it stands for. But most importantly, these are young men of extremely high character, living life and playing the game with humility and confidence. I could not be more excited to have the opportunity to coach these young men. The future is bright for DU Men's golf."

Denver will return for the spring portion of its year in 2017.

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