UNK Sports
Peter Yazvac, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations
WAYNE – The Nebraska-Kearney men’s golf team shot a 1-under 577 to win the Upper Iowa Spring Invitational Friday at the Wayne Country Club.
This 36-hole tournament wasn’t on UNK’s original schedule but helps replace the weathered out UNK Spring Invitational last week. In addition, the Lopers will now play a 36-hole dual against Midland University on Monday, April 2nd, at Awarii Dunes.
Due to weather, just nine holes was finished on Thursday so the seven-team field had to log 27 holes on Friday. UNK had efforts of 288 and 289 to easily outdistance Bemidji State (594) and Missouri Western State (595) to take the team crown.
The 577 breaks the 36-hole school record of 583, set at the 2016 UNK Fall Invite and at the 2013 Nebraska Intercollegiate. The 288 and 289 efforts also rank among the best in Loper lore.
Hebron junior Jay Cottam earned medalist honors thanks to a 4-under 140 (71-69). His tourney included a tourney-best 24 pars and eighth birdies. The 140 ties the school 36-hole record, first set by Greg Davis at the 2004 Colorado Mines Invite and tied by Michael Colgate at the 2013 Wayne State Spring Invite.
Also for UNK, English senior Bradley Hill tied for fourth (1-over 145; 73-72), Bancroft senior Preston Peters tied for sixth (2-over 146; 72-74), Kearney sophomore Cody Troudt tied for eighth (3-over 147; 72-75) and Kearney sophomore Austin Murray came in 33rd (159; 85-74). Peters carded 23 pars with Troudt having 22. Next, Hill had eight birdies with Troudt and Peters having six apiece.
Finally, Colorado senior Bridger Ryan played as an individual and tied for 45th place (167; 83-84).