NIACC men open play at regional tournament

RIVERSIDE - The NIACC men's golf team opened play at the NJCAA Region XI tournament Saturday at the windy Blue Top Ridge Golf Course.

NIACC shot 334-337 - 671 on the first day of the 54-hole tournament and sits in seventh place heading into Sunday's final 18 holes.

Kirkwood leads the 54-hole tournament (297-306 - 602). Iowa Central (289-316 - 605) sits in second and DMACC (313-328 - 641) is in third.

"It was not the type of day the Trojans needed to make a move to the national tournament," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "We haven't played well in high winds all season - fall or spring, and we couldn't get it done (Saturday).

"The guys played their hearts out, the effort was there, there was not quit, but the conditions beat us down (Saturday). I have a group of very disappointed players (Saturday) because we were peaking in the latter stages of the season and to come out and not perform well is very heartening."

The top three teams and top two individuals not on those three teams qualify for the NJCAA Division II national tournament.

Freshman JJ Wickman led the Trojans with rounds of 82-80 - 162. Wickman, who prepped at Mason City, is tied for 13th in the individual medalisst competition with Northeast CC's Jordan Hart (81-81 - 162).

Northeast CC's Ty Heines is in ninth place with a 80-76 - 156. Heines currently is currently the first indiviual national qualifer and Wickman and Hart are tied for the second national qualifying spot.

"JJ still has a very good chance of making it as an individual with a good day (Sunday)," Frenz said. "JJ has been such a battler all year. I'm excited for him to rise to the challenge (Sunday)."

Also for the Trojans, Beau Thompson shot 87-83 - 179, Kai Nelles shot 83-88 - 171, John Doherty shot 86-86 - 172 and Jack Barragy shot 83-90 - 173.

"Beau really hung in there on the second 18, too," Frenz said, "and you just never know what may happen if he puts up a great score (Sunday).

"We're the NIACC Trojans. We're never going to quit."

The final 18 holes of the two-day regional tournament are set to begin at 8:30 a.m. Sunday.

Team standings - Kirkwood 297-305 - 602; Iowa Central 289-316 - 605; DMACC 313-328 - 641; Northeast CC 331-317 - 648; Hawkeye CC 321-342 - 663; Southwestern 323-345 - 668; NIACC 334-337 - 671; Iowa Lakes 341-338 - 679; Southeastern 344-385 - 729.