Men place 6 golfers in top 15

Midwest Conference Tournament next

by Sarah Kisner
Courier Staff

This past weekend, April 29 and 30, the Monmouth College men’s golf team competed in the Midwest Conference South Division Tournament. The two day tournament was hosted by Monmouth College on the first day at Gibson Woods Golf Course, then continued the second day at Grinnell Golf and Country Club in Grinnell, Iowa.

The Scots played an average two rounds of golf this weekend scoring a 317 the first day and finishing off the tournament with a 305 on the second day. The tournament was comprised of three other schools: Grinnell College, Knox College and Illinois College.

The team led all other teams in par four scoring. “Pars win championships,” said Coach Dave Ragone. Doug Middendorf and Lee Radford led the team, placing fifth, while freshman standout, Jake Kilberg, did a successful job placing seventh.

On Thursday, May 4, the men’s golf team began the Midwest Conference Tournament play at Aldeen Golf Club in Rockford. “We have a very deep team of seven to eight players, and we are able to take six to the Conference Tournament,” said Ragone. Because of the team’s large quantity of talent, the Scots still have their main goal to win conference.

The Scots have won the Midwest Conference Tournament two out of the four past years. “It’ll be a disappointment if we don’t win conference,” said senior Jeff Malek.

All week the team has been getting prepared for this weekend’s tournament. “There are two pieces of advice these boys need to achieve victory. They are: one, be mentally sharp, and two, FINISH! FINISH! FINISH!,” said Ragone.

Also, if the team plays well, Monmouth College men’s athletics have a chance of gaining points to add to the chances of winning and retaining the men’s Ralph Shrively All-Sports Championship Award.

Overall, the golf team has had a very positive season. They are currently ranked 15th in the region and 69th nationally. The golf team plans to continue their success again next season. “The Monmouth College men’s golf team doesn’t rebuild; we reload,” said Ragone. However, seniors Malek and Mike Wilmouth will be graduating at the end of this season. “They brought a lot of great leadership and will be missed,” said Ragone.