Nelles' 74 leads NIACC men at Red Tail Invite

DIKE - Freshman Kai Nelles shot a career-best 37-37 - 74 to lead the NIACC men's golf team Friday at the Hawkeye CC Red Tail Fall Invitational.

Other counting scores for the Trojans on Friday were JJ Wickman shot 37-39 - 76, Beau Thompson shot 40-39 - 79 and John Doherty shot 42-39 - 80 for a team score of 309 at the At Fox Ridge Golf Course.

NIACC placed fifth in the team standings with its 309. Kirkwood was the team champion with a 288 and DMACC was second at 292.

"It was awesome to see Kai Nelles put together his best round of the year," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "His confidence is growing daily.

"Coming from Germany, it took him a little time to get adjusted but he's got things together now and he's showing his leadership skills. JJ was solid again. Beau put a decent round together, just a little course management on a couple holes cost him."

Nelles' previous best round this fall was a 77 at the Simpson College Invitational on Wednesday.

Also for the Trojans on Friday, Jack Barragy shot 46-43 - 89, Jason Hesner shot 42-43 - 85 and Hunter Heintz shot 46-43 - 89.

"We haven't really had all five guys click at the same time," Frenz said, "but when they do, we'll be tough."

NIACC returns to action Monday at the DMACC Fall Invitational at the Ames Country Club.

Team standings - Kirkwood 288, DMACC 292, Iowa Central 293, Hawkeye CC 299, NIACC 309, Hawkeye CC B 343.