Indians take third at golf season opener

RIVERTON, Wyo. – The McCook Community College golf team was unable to make up any ground Friday and maintained a third-place finish in the first Region IX tournament of the year at the Central Wyoming College Invitational.

Eastern Wyoming shot a four-under 572 to finish 21 strokes ahead of second place Northeastern Junior College and 37 shots in front of MCC. After posting a 304 score on Thursday, MCC came back with a 305 on Friday to finish the tournament at 609.

“We had two perfect days for golf and for a very young team,” said MCC Coach Tyler Loop. “Not a bad score but still definitely a lot of areas we can improve on and several learning experiences to reflect on.”

Eastern Wyoming’s Russell Sprecher claimed top individual honors, shooting a five-under 139. Teammate Brendan Thomas was second at 140. Lancer Oscar Behle tied Jackson Rottschafer of Northeastern Junior College for third place.

MCC’s Ethan Gough (freshman Pietermaritzburg, South Africa) topped the MCC leaderboard with a one-over 145 good for fifth place. Brayden Dahl (freshman, Outer West Durban, South Africa) was a shot back in sixth place.

McCook High School grad Payton Craw, freshman finished in 18th place posting scores of 77 and 79. Freshmen Jordan Bingham (South Jordan, Utah) and Spencer Wishon (Oberlin) finished in 23 and 24th place respectively. After posting an 85 on Thursday, Bingham came back with a 78 on Friday. Wishon shot scores of 84 and 80.

Sophomore Adam Durband (Heswall, England) competed as an individual and shot a 155, which was good for 16th place.

“The region is probably the best it’s been since I've been coaching which is great to see,” Loop said. “We’re looking forward to our home meet next week.”

The Region IX field shifts to McCook for the second meet of the season Thursday and Friday at Heritage Hills Golf Course. Thursday’s action begins at 1 p.m. with a 9 a.m. Friday start.

FINAL TEAM STANDINGS

1. Eastern Wyoming - 4 281-291 - 572

2. Northeastern JC +17 298-295 - 593

3. McCook CC +33 304-305 - 609

4. Lamar CC +62 323-315 - 638

5. Central Wyoming +66 319-323 - 642

6. Otero JC +96 327-345 - 672

FINAL MCC SCORES

5. Ethan Gough +1 71 – 74 - 145

6, Brayden Dahl +2 72 – 74 - 146

18. Payton Craw +12 77 – 79 - 156

23. Jordan Bingham +19 85 – 78 - 163

24. Spencer Wishon +20 84 – 80 - 164

Competing as an individual

16. Adam Durband +11 77 – 78 - 155