KCKCC golfers sixth in tough Bethel Spring Invitational

by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC

Kansas City Kansas Community College’s golf team took on its biggest challenge of the season to date and came away with a sixth place finish in the Bethel Spring Invitational Saturday and Sunday.

“We beat some pretty good schools in a 22-team field,” said KCKCC coach Gary Shrader.

Dodge City, one of just three community colleges in the field, fired a 13 over par 585 to take top honors in the 36-hole tournament played at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton. St. Gregory’s University was second (599) followed by Southwestern (605), Dakota Wesleyan (607), Midland University (608) and KCKCC and Bethel College, both 618.

Newton sophomore Dalton Ayres led the Blue Devils, winning a scorecard playoff for fifth place with rounds of 71-76-147. Derby freshman Jeremy Dunham tied for 28th in the 120-player field with a 77-75-152 with Olathe East sophomore Zach Spencer 53rd (79-80-159); Shawnee Mission Northwest Colton Allen 59th (80-80-160); and Hesston freshman Matt Thayne 105th (89-83-172).

The Blue Devils returned to Jayhawk Conference designated tournament play at Cottonwood Hills in Hutchinson Sunday through Tuesday.