Trojans in 7th after day one at district championships
SIOUX CITY - The NIACC men's golf team is in seventh place after the first of three rounds at the NJCAA North Central District Championships Sunday at the Whispering Creek Golf Course.
NIACC shot a opening round 310. Kirkwood is the first-day leader with a 289 and Southeast CC (Neb.) and Northeast CC (Neb.) are tied for second with identical rounds of 295.
The top three teams qualify for the NJCAA Division II national tournament in Plymouth, Ind. on May 20-23. The top three individuals not on qualifying teams and in the top 17 qualify for the national tournament.
"We got off to a rugged start (Sunday) as a team," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said, "but I really thought we did a terrific job of keeping our heads in the game and we're still within shouting distance after day one.
"We didn't do ourselves any favors but there's still 36 holes to go and anything can happen."
NIACC was led by sophomore Bennett Berger, who shot an opening round 76 and sits in a tie for 17th in the individual medalist competition.
"Bennett Berger was plus-seven at one point on the front nine," Frenz said, "but he made five birdies on the final 10 holes to keep himself and the team in the running for a national tournament bid."
Also for the Trojans on Sunday, freshman Garrett Ham, freshman Ashtin Willms and freshman Ian Roske all shot 78s. Sophomore Tommy Birdsell shot a round of 86.
"Ian Roske put together a really good round (Sunday) playing in the fifth position," Frenz said. "He just played position golf from tee to green.
"Ashtin Willms was good (Sunday). He been kind of struggling getting things going the past few weeks, but (Sunday), he was solid. Garrett Ham made a few birdies on the back nine, as well, and while he was frustrated with his overall score none of these guys are out of it."
Round two is set for Monday and the final round is set for Tuesday.
"They're all experienced enough to realize there's a lot of golf to play and anything can happen," Frenz said. "We're looking forward to making a move (Monday)."
Team standings - Kirkwood 289, Southeast CC 295, Northeast CC 295, Hawkeye CC 302, Iowa Central 306, Iowa Lakes 307, NIACC 310, Southwestern CC 314, CCC-Columbus 318, Alexandria T&CC 320, DMACC 326, Southeastern CC 328, North Platte CC 328.
