NIACC's Doherty earns medalist honors at Iowa Lakes Invite

OKOBOJI - NIACC freshman John Doherty shot a career-best 38-34 - 72 to earn individual medalist honors Tuesday at the Iowa Lakes Invitational at Brooks National Golf Course.

Doherty's previous best on the collegiate level was a 77 at the Iowa Central Fall Kickoff at the Fort Dodge Country Club in the Trojans' first meet of the fall season.

"To play an even par round on a course that playing tough is solid," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "He had it to 2-under at one point.

"He's showed nice improvement throughout the first couple of tournaments." 

Doherty was the first NIACC men's player to win individual medalist honors at a meet since Austin Eckenrod placed first at the 2019 Waldorf University Fall Invitational.

NIACC placed third at the three-team invite with a 310. Iowa Central was the team champion with a 210 and host Iowa Lakes was second with a 305.

Also for NIACC, JJ Wickman shot 37-40 - 77, Kai Nelles shot 39-41 - 80, Jack Barragy shot 41-40 - 80 and Beau Thompson shot 42-44 - 86.

"JJ Wickman had a solid round again," Frenz said. "We just need to get him out of the gates a little quicker.

"The other guys are struggling at the moment, but they'll get it together. We're close. We're looking forward to the Waldorf tournament on Sunday."

NIACC's Jason Hesner shot 41-41 - 82 and Hunter Heintz shot 45-47 - 92.

NIACC returns to action Sunday at the Waldorf University Invitational at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club in Albert Lea, Minn.