NIACC men place 3rd at Simpson Invitational

INDIANOLA - The NIACC men's golf team shot a 314 and placed third at the Simpson College Fall Invitational on Wednesday at the Indianola Country Club.

NIACC shot a fall-season low 305 last Sunday to win the Waldorf University Invitational.

"It was difficult scoring conditions (Wednesday) as winds gusted around 20-30 mph all day," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said of Wednesday's conditions. "We battled to a 314, which we know isn't good enough."

Freshmen Kai Nelles (39-38) and JJ Wickman (39-38) led the Trojans with a pair of 77s to tie for eighth in the individual medalist competition.

"It was good to see JJ Wickman continue his consistent play in these conditions," Frenz said. "He's proven he can adapt to whatever the situation is. He's got such a level head that he just doesn't let much bother him.

"Kai put together a strong round, as well. He stumbled a bit on the last two holes, but he's close to putting it all together and he knows it."

Also for the Trojans on Wednesday, Beau Thompson shot 38-42 - 80, Jack Barragy shot 40-40 - 80 and John Doherty shot 42-41 - 83.

Kirkwood was the men's team champion with a 297 and Waldorf University was second with a 309.

Waldorf's Ben Boerjan, a former NIACC golfer, shot a 78 to tie for 13th in the individual medalist competition.

NIACC returns to action Friday at the Hawkeye CC Invitational.

Team standings - Kirkwood 297, Waldorf 309, NIACC 314, Graceland 316, Central College Red 318, Grand View 323, Iowa Lakes 326, Central College White 330, Simpson College 343.