NIACC sits in 3rd at Battle of Waterloo
WATERLOO - The NIACC men's golf team is in third place after day one Friday at the Battle of Waterloo at Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course.
NIACC shot 304-304 - 608 in the first two round of the three-round, two-day tournament. Kirkwood leads with a 272-287 - 559 and Hawkeye CC is in second with a 301-285 - 586.
"We ran into a buzzsaw (Friday) against Kirkwood," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said, "but I am encouraged by how the guys played (Friday).
"Other than Tommy (Birdsell), they're all freshman and we're learning how to compete at the college level."
NIACC freshman Garrett Ham is in a tie for seventh place with rounds of 76-70 - 146.
"Garrett Ham had a tough outing Monday at Fort Dodge," Frenz said, "but he really did an outstanding job of staying in the moment (Friday) and came back with a sold 2-under par 70 on the second 18 after scrambling 76 on the first 18. That shows me he's got what it takes."
Also for the Trojans, sophomore Tommy Birdsell shot 76-76 - 152 and freshman Drew DeGabriele shot 75-77 - 152.
"Drew DeGabriele had a really good day (Friday)," Frenz said. "He's so steady. It seems like he never gets rattled. He's going to give it all he has on every swing.
"Tommy Birdsell didn't have his A game, but I love the grit he plays the game with. He's still battling his way back from a knee injury but he gives me all he has every time out and that's all I can ask for."
Freshman Ashtin Willms shot 77-81 - 158 and Gavin Anderson shot 84-83 - 167.
"Ashtin and Gavin had tough days but I'm confident they'll bounce back (Saturday)," Frenz said. "Thirty-six holes in one day is a grind.
"We'll get a good nights rest and attack Gates Park Golf Course (Saturday)."
