Trojans move into 4th at district tournament
SIOUX CITY - The NIACC men's golf team moved into fourth place Monday at the NJCAA North Central District Championship at Whispering Creek Golf Course.
NIACC, which was in seventh place after Monday's opening round, has a two-day total of 317-307 - 624 heading into Tuesday's final round. Northeast CC is the two-day leader with rounds of 301-297 - 598, Kirkwood is in second with rounds of 297-302 - 599 and Southeast CC (Neb.) sits in third with rounds of 314-303 - 617.
"We said (Monday) was moving day," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said, "and the team came through moving up three spots.
"While individually, Austin Stene and Garrett Ham are only two and four shots, respectively, behind the individual we need to catch to qualify (for nationals). Kirkwood and Northeast CC are strong teams and our entire region is loaded."
Stene, who is from Lake Mills, is in third place after 36 holes with rounds of 76-74 - 150. The individual leader is Kirkwood's Ted Sargent, who leads with rounds of 69-70 - 139.
"Austin Stene has just been amazingly solid the past two days," Frenz said. "He is playing with such confidence that I just stay away and let him cook.
"As a freshman to play this solid is really encouraging."
Southwestern CC's Freddie Muggeridge is in second place with rounds of 74-74 - 148.
The top two teams and the the top individual not on the top two teams qualify for the NJCAA Division II national tournament.
Ham, who is also from Lake Mills, is tied for 10th in the individual medalist competition with rounds of 77-75 - 152.
"Sophomore Garrett Ham knows he's not out of this yet," Frenz said.
Also for the Trojans, freshman Heath Voigt has shot rounds of 82-79 - 161, freshman Hudson Kroymann has shot rounds of 82-82 - 164 and sophomore Ashtin Willms has shot rounds of 86-79 - 165.
The final round of the three-day championship is set for Tuesday.
"(Tuesday) the weather is going to be a lot colder, but I don't think the winds will be quite as gusty as they were (Monday)," Frenz said. "Heath Voigt and Ashtin Willms played much better (Tuesday). Although, things didn't go the way he wanted it to go (Monday), I guarantee Hudson Kroymann will get after it (Tuesday).
"Even though we won't get in the top two, to finish high in the conference speaks volumes about this team."
Team standings - Northeast CC 301-297 - 598, Kirkwood 297-302 - 599, Southeast CC (Neb.) 314-303 - 617, NIACC 317-307 - 624, Southwestern CC 313-314 - 627, DMACC 314-313 - 627, Iowa Central 315-317 - 632, Hawkeye CC 327-331 - 658, Iowa Lakes 332-328 - 660, Alexandria Tech T&CC 332-330 - 662, Central CC-Columbus 359-341 - 700, Southeastern CC 355-345 - 700.
