MCC golfers ninth to begin spring schedule
WICHITA, Kan. – The McCook Community College golf team was back in action Monday and Tuesday to start the spring golf season. The Indians finished ninth in the two-day 13-team Crestview Spring Invitational at Crestview Country Club in Wichita, Kan.
The field included eight NAIA schools and five community College. Golfers played 36 holes Monday and finished up with 18 holes Tuesday as MCC finished ninth in the field – fourth among the five community colleges.
“It was nice to get back out on the golf course and have some awesome weather,” said MCC Coach Grant Case. “It was a really competitive field this week with Friends University being a Top 5 NAIA golf team.”
Friends claimed the team title with a nine-under score for the three rounds. Bellevue University was second shooting a five-over par. After a first round score of +33, MCC was one of only four teams that improved their second-round scores Monday carding a +26.
Former MCC golfer Cayden Wynne (Lincoln), who is a senior this year at Bellevue, finished in a first-place tie among individuals. His seven-under par was tied with Trenton Sutherland of Friends University.
“Having played 36 holes on Monday, it was a great way for the guys to knock off the rust after not playing a competitive round for three months,” said Case. “It also was great preparation for what they will be facing during the region tournament towards the end of the season, walking 36 holes in one day and how to mentally and physically perform for that long of a day.”
After sitting out the fall schedule, sophomore Matt Grimonprez (Wasquehal, France) led the team after the first round with a team-low score of 75, he followed that up with a 77 and on Tuesday closed out with a 76 to finish in a tie for 22nd place.
“I’m really proud and happy for Matt,” said Case. “After missing the fall semester, I could tell he couldn’t wait to get back out there.”
Grimonprez had a rough start being +8 through his first nine holes on Monday.
“Being able to play the remaining 45 holes in five-over really proved to me that he’s capable of posting some great scores and not giving up when things aren’t going his way,” said Case.
Sophomore Andrew Brown (Wollongong, Australia) started the tournament with back-to-back rounds of 79 Monday and closed out with a 77 Tuesday to finish at 18-over for the tournament.
Ross Donachie (sophomore, Narin, Scotland) had rounds of 82 and 81 Monday and a 76 on Tuesday.
Chance Gambini (sophomore, Las Vegas, Nevada) carded and 88 and a 78 on the first day and a third-round 85. Freshman Cole Graham (McCook) posted a first-round 85 then had a 97 in the second round and posted a 91 Tuesday.
“We’re all looking forward to using the time between now and our next event to iron out and improve on some of the things that weren’t quite as sharp as they needed to be this week,” said Case.
MCC will begin the Region IX circuit March 20-21 with the Lamar/Otero combined tournament with the first round played at Spreading Antlers Golf Course in Lamar, Colo., and the second day played at the La Junta Municipal Golf Course in La Junta, Colo.
The Indians will host the Region IX field March 27-28 at Heritage Hills Golf Course.
Up-to-date information about MCC golf including schedule, statistics, rosters, photos and more can be found on the MCC Athletics website, www.mccindians.com
TEAM RESULTS AT CRESTVIEW
R1 R2 R3 -- Total
1. Friends
2. Bellevue
3. Iowa Western CC ( - 1 ) – ( +8 ) – (+ 6) – ( + 6)
4. Midland (Neb.) (+11) – (+32) – (+13) – (+56)
T5. Southwestern (Kan.) (+18) – (+20) – (+24) – (+62)
T5. Southwest CC (Iowa) (+24) – (+20) – (+18) – (+62)
7. Friends – B team (+11) – (+36) – (+16) – (+63)
8. Hesston (Kan.) (+22) – (+29) – (+15) – (+66)
9. McCook CC (+33) – (+26) – (+27) – (+96)
10. Oklahoma Wesleyan (+39) – (+38) – (+23) – (+100)
T11. Seminole State (OK.) (+38) – (+38) – (+28) – (+104)
T11. Tabor (+40) – (+37) – (+27) – (+104)
13. Bethel (Kan.) (+58) – (+49) – (+42) – (+159)
MCC INDIVIDUAL SCORES
T22. Matt Grimonprez + 13 75-77-76 – 228
33. Andrew Brown + 18 79-79-77 – 235
T40. Ross Donachie + 23 82-81-76 – 239
T57. Chance Gambini + 35 88-78-85 – 251
74. Cole Graham + 57 85-97-91 – 273