by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
Led by a spectacular performance by medalist Cameron Riley, Kansas City Kansas Community College’s young golf team got the fall season off to an outstanding start.
The Blue Devils’ lone sophomore, Riley put together three rounds in the 60s to claim medalist honors in the Swedes Invitational held by Bethany College at the Salina Municipal Golf Course Monday and Tuesday.
A graduate of Liberal High School, Riley took the tournament lead with rounds of 69 and 66 on Monday and then added a 69 on Tuesday on Salina’s par 70 layout. His 6-under par 204 was two shots better than Zach Willard of Bethany.
The 204 also helped the Blue Devils finish in second place behind host Bethany, which finished at 854, The Blue Devils (868) were next followed by Barton County (877), Hastings (896), York College (904) and Bethel (313).
The tournament was the first for five KCKCC freshmen, who got their collegiate careers started with some outstanding rounds. Keegan Riley of Andover Central had a one-under par 69 in the second round Monday in tying for 11th (73-69-78-220) while Jacob Hall of Piper had his best competitive round of one-over 71 in tying for 13th (73-77-71-221). Dylen Freund of Cheney closed with back-to-back 72’s in tying for 23rd (81-72-72-225); Mark Towey of Bishop Carroll placed 32nd (78-79-74-231); and Kellen Welsh of Olathe West finished 37th (79-77-79-235).
“We had just one round in the 80’s and I didn’t expect that,” KCKCC coach Gary Shrader said. “For five freshmen playing without a whole lot of experience, I was thrilled. It was the first time playing 36 holes in one day and that in itself is tough. It’s hard to stay focused for 36 holes. And the course was wet after a half-inch of rain Sunday night.”
Three rounds in the 60s was a first for Riley and Shrader.
“I’ve never had anyone shoot three rounds under 70,” Shrader said. “He was making putts.”
A total 80 putts to be exact – 28, 26 and 28 in Riley’s three rounds.
“I really didn’t hit my driver or irons that well but absolutely got up and down and made almost every putt inside 10 feet,” Riley said. “I think I hit 31 greens in the three rounds and ran in a few putts I shouldn’t have made.” He had two or three putts fall from outside 15 feet in his round of 66 that put him in the lead.
Ironically, his best round came on his second 18 holes Monday.
“I got better speed on the greens on the second round,” Riley said. Unfazed by the pressure of taking a 2-shot lead into the final round, he finished one-under par. “I was a little nervous but I like a little pressure. I thought if I shot even par I would win.”
The win was especially gratifying because it came in front of his family, parents Rod and Gay Riley; and both sets of grandparents, Leo and Linda Riley and Larry and Anita Compton.
The Blue Devils are back in action next Monday and Tuesday in the Evangel University Invitational at Rivercut Golf course in Springfield, Missouri.