NIACC's Nelles in tie for 7th at Battle of Waterloo

WATERLOO - NIACC sophomore Kai Nelles is in a tie for seventh in the individual medalist competition Friday at the first day at the Battle of Waterloo.

Nelles shot a 77 at the Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course and a 76 at the South Hills Golf Course for a 36-hole total of 153.

"Kai Nelles did a nice job of battling even though he was struggling with his putting," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said.

NIACC is in fifth place in the seven-team two-day tournament with a 317-324 - 641. Host Hawkeye CC is the day one leader with a 297-309 - 606.

"Thirty-six holes is a mental grind in these cold conditions," Frenz said, "and honestly when things start to go sideways, it's very difficult to stay focused.

"But it's something we must conquer because in two weeks we'll be doing this for the regional championship."

NIACC's Bradley Vaith is in a tie for 21st in the individual medalist competition with a 81-81 - 162. Jack Barragy shot 78-85 - 163 and Bryce Malchow shot 81-82 - 163 and are tied for 25th).

NIACC's Eric Ritter shot 82-88 - 170 (tied for 34th).

The Trojans' Hunter Heintz shot 78-97 - 175 (38th). The 78 by Heintz was a career best round by three strokes.

 "Hunter Heintz played really well at Irv Warren and I couldn't be more happy for him," Frenz said of the sophomore. "He's a great kid and have really gave me his all over the past two years."

The Trojans will wrap up the Battle of Waterloo on Saturday at the Gates Park Golf Course.

"We'll get a good night sleep and get ready to do battle again (Saturday) at Gates Park," Frenz said. "We just need to get better each time out and believe in ourselves."

Team standings - Hawkeye CC 297-309 - 606; DMACC 298-315 - 613; William Penn University 304-310 - 614; Wartburg College 308-322 - 630; NIACC 317-324 - 641; Hawkeye CC B 317-330 - 647; Wartburg College B 325-324 - 649.