MCC golfers third, Jeb Kastens first at Heritage Hills
The McCook Community College golf team placed third at its home meet which concluded Friday at Heritage Hills Golf Course and one of MCC’s five freshman claimed the tournament’s individual championship.
“It’s always nice getting to play in McCook at Heritage Hills,” said MCC Coach Grant Case. “For our five freshmen, playing somewhere they have seen before was a great experience for them and only boosts their confidence for the remainder of our schedule.”
The Indians, who had a two-shot lead over Northeastern Junior College after Thursday’s round (309-311) slipped back a spot in the final standings after losing seven strokes to the Plainsmen Friday (318 to 311). NJC had a two-day score of 622 to 627 for MCC. Eastern Wyoming finished 16 shots ahead of NJC to claim top team honors with a 606.
MCC freshmen and Rawlins County High School grad Jeb Kastens (Atwood, Kan.) claimed top individual honors shooting three-over par over the two days to finish two shots ahead of Eastern Wyoming’s Troy Young. Kastens began the day tied for second place with teammate Joackym Mahy (freshman, Andenne, Belgium) both shot one-over par 73s Thursday but Kastens claimed the title shooting a 74 Friday and finishing with a two-day 147.
“Jeb played great this week and I am extremely proud of him and the situation he was put in,” said Case, adding that Kastens signed an incorrect scorecard Thursday for 73 when he actually shot a 70.
“Then for him to bounce back from that and not let it bother him on Friday shows a level of maturity that our whole team can learn from,” said Case.
Mahy posted an 81 Friday and finished in a tie for 11th place and finished the tournament with a 10-over score of 154.
Freshman Louis Yin (Tainan, Taiwan) finished at +19 with rounds of 78 and 85. He finished two shots ahead of freshman Braiden Portie (Arvada, Colo.) who carded scores of 85 and 80.
McCook High School grads Cole Graham (sophomore) and Jalen Collicott (freshman) finished with scores of 170 and 180 respectively. Graham shot an 87 Thursday and came back with an 83 Friday. Collicott posted an 84 Thursday and a 96 Friday.
“Lots of good things happened this week but we continue to make too many big numbers, which ultimately ends up causing scores to be higher than they should be, just because of preventable mistakes,” said Case.
The Indians have a short turnaround and head across the state Sunday to participate in the York University Tournament Monday and Tuesday. The fall schedule wraps up Oct 6-7 with the Nebraska Intercollegiate in Fremont.
Up-to-date information about MCC golf and all sports including schedule, statistics, rosters, photos and more can be found on the MCC Athletics website, www.mccindians.com
TEAM RESULTS
MCC Invitational
At Heritage Hills Golf Course - McCook
1. Eastern Wyoming + 30 297-309 – 606
2. Northeastern JC + 46 311-311 – 622
3. McCook CC + 51 309-318 – 627
4. Lamar
5. North Platte + 94 331-339 – 670
MCC INDIVIDUAL SCORES
1. Jeb Kastens + 3 73-74 – 147
T.11 Joackym Mahy + 10 73-81 – 154
22. Louis Yin + 19 78-85 – 163
T.23 Braiden Portie + 21 85-80 – 165
T.30 Cole Graham + 26 87-83 – 170
37 Jalen Collicott + 36 84-96 – 180