May 4-5, 2009
HAAC Tournament
Alvamar GC
Lawrence, KS-Day 1: Sophomore Matt Mickelson (Lamoni, IA) led the Yellowjackets golf team on the first day by shooting 78-74 (152). Mickelson played steady golf and was even par going into the last hole and of his second 18 but lost a golf ball and finished with a double bogey. Junior Adam Craig (Stouffville, ONT) fired a 76 on the first 18 but poor putting on the second 18 saw him record an 85 (161). Freshmen Trent Ranney (Lamoni, IA) was consistent shooting 84-83 (167) but struggled to hit greens. Freshmen Mikhail Ziskos (East York, ONT) shot 90-86 (176) and could not find the touch with his putter as he three putted the tough Alvamar Golf Course greens several times. Freshmen Tim Redding (Grand River, IA) scored an 84-96 (180) and could never quite find his groove during the second 18. The temperature was in the 60s with a light wind. Mickelson is 4 back of the individual leader and the team is in 6th place out of the seven teams in the conference.
Day 2: Mickelson played a steady round of golf and said "I was still hitting the ball well but my putts weren't falling like the day before." He started hot as he was 1-under after 3 holes. "I am very proud of his effort as he stayed focused and played his game. Matt has a bright future ahead of him," stated Coach Brunner. Mickelson shot a final round 80 and finished in 6th place at 232, nine shots off the medalist pace. Craig fired the best second day score for the Jackets of 78. "Adam played well and just missed the all-conference team. The second 18 hurt him but I was confident he would bounce back," commented Coach Brunner. Craig finished in 10th place at 239. The remainder of the team gained valuable experience. Ranney shot an 88 in the final round and finished with a three day total of 255. Ziskos fired an 85 and continued to have short game problems. His three day total was 261. Redding scored an 89 and totaled 269 over the three days. "Trent, Mikhail, and Tim all gained significant experience. I know they were disappointed in their performance but I also know they will commit themselves to improving for next year," mentioned Coach Brunner. The team finished in 6th place in the seven team field. Experience was a key all year long with the young team. Coach Brunner reflected, "I believe the players at the conference tournament and the players that were not on the trip all gained significant experience in their first year of college golf. I am looking forward to next year and continued improvements." The second day weather was again great with a temperature of 70 and light wind.
The future is bright for the Yellowjackets golf team and preparation during the off season will be an important part of the Jackets drive to a championship next year.
Team Scores:
918 Lindenwood
934 Missouri Valley
969 William Jewell
970 Evangel
978 Culver Stockton
983 Graceland
1000 Baker
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mshelton@graceland.edu
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