Martin's 76 leads NIACC at Clarke Invite

GALENA, Ill. - Sophomore Zach Martin shot a 39-37 - 76 to lead the NIACC men's golf team Friday at the Clarke University Fall Classic at the Eagle Ridge Golf Club (the General).

Sophomore Austin Eckenrod was next in line for NIACC with a 39-41 - 80 as the Trojans shot a 325 as a team heading into Saturday's second round.

"It was a great day to play golf on a really demanding golf course," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "Zach Martin and Austin Eckenrod put nice rounds together and really helped keep us in the mix.

"They have really taken it upon themselves to battle through some ups and downs during the round."

Also for NIACC on Friday, Jackson Hamlin shot a 41-41 - 82, Matthew Heinemann shot a 42-45 - 87 and Beau Thompson shot a 46-42 - 88. Playing as an individual, Jackson French shot a 43-37 - 80.

"Jackson Hamlin is fighting his swing a little bit at the moment but once that gets figured out, his mental game will come right along with it," Frenz said. "It was good to see Jackson French get it going (Friday) for the second tournament in a row.

"Hopefully, the weather holds for (Saturday) so we can play the General. It's a premier golf course in the Midwest."