CLC golfers win state, region
MANKATO -- Nick Dahl and Tricia Jasmer saved their best for last as they came alive to lead the Central Lakes College Raiders men's and women's golf teams to state and regional championships Tuesday at the Mankato Country Club.
Dahl's rounds of 79 and 75 capped off a great week for the Raiders' men who finished the fall season undefeated by winning the state and regional with a score of 623.
Eric Rowbottom shot a 149. His rounds of 75-74 were good for second place while Dahl was fifth. Josh Kuha shot a 161 (76-85), Joe Sauers carded a 161 (79-82) and Jeremy Medina finished with an 81-83 for a two-round total of 164.
Milwaukee Area Community College was second in region play with a 649 and Rainy River was second in state play with a 653.
"We as a team are so proud of Nick," said Raiders head coach Jim Russell who was selected coach of the year. "This is the first tournament that he's broke in the 70s.
"As a coach, if you've seen his swing, and you know his attitude, it's just great. I feel this playing with good competition in practice everyday and getting good instruction from assistant coach Brian Erickson helped him to shoot what he did. It really paid off.
"He is such a gentleman who didn't have that great of success in high school. He comes here works on his game hard and now comes out with a great score.
"This is what junior college is all about. He's the one that carried us over the hump. Everyone was just yelling and screaming how a five guy can come in with a 79 and a 75 is just outstanding."
Jasmer shot an 87-81 for a 168 and a third-place finish in regional play. Her score helped Central Lakes shoot 541 and overcome Bethany which finished with a 563. Itasca was third with a 695.
"It was a joy to watch because Tricia played so well," said Russell. "Her 81 was really impressive today with the conditions (It was rainy and cold.). She's been our No. 2 player all year and for her to come out and do that helped.
"This is a girl that wasn't going to play golf any more and she's really enjoying it. She was even-par on the back nine today and having a good time."
Becky Schornack shot a 182, Lori Murphy shot a 191, Anita Ortquist finished with a 214 and Carin Sorvik carded a 237.
The women have to wait until May for their nationals in Oklahoma while the men play in June in New York.
Men's team scores Regional-- 1, CLC 623 (309-314); 2, Milwaukee area Community College 649; 3, Rainy River 653
Individual medalist -- Andy Johnson (MACC) 74-72 -- 146
Top five results -- 2, Eric Rowbottom (CLC) 149, 3, Adam Rosplosch (MACC) 152, 4, Justin Bennett (Riverland) 153, 5, Nick Dahl (CLC) 154
CLC results -- Josh Kuha 164, Joe Sauers 161, Jeremy Medina 164
Men's team scores State -- 1, CLC 623; 2, Rainy River 653; 3, Northland 654
Individual medalist -- Rowbottom 149