Blue Devil golfers second in 19-team Bethel Tournament

Members of the Kansas City Kansas Community College golf team took a few minutes for a photo on a railway car while competing in the Bethel Spring Invitational Saturday and Sunday in Newton and Hesston. (KCKCC photo by Gary Shrader)

by Alan Hoskins

One of only two community colleges in the 19-team field, Kansas City Kansas Community College finished second in the Bethel Spring Golf Invitational Saturday and Sunday.

Bethany took top honors in the 36-hole tourney played in 40 mile an hour wins with an even 600 with KCKCC edging a second Bethany team 639-640 for second place.

“The wind was brutal the second day,” said KCKCC coach Gary Shrader. “Everyone’s score soared, most by 8-10 strokes but several by as many as 20 or 30.”

Doane College finished fourth (644) followed by Ottawa (645), Pittsburg State and Dakota Wesleyan (648), Hastings (650). Kansas Wesleyan (662) and Briar Cliff (670).

The tourney was played at Sand Creek in Newton and Hesston Golf Club.

Freshmen Lane Pauls of Newton and Seve Sites of Shawnee Mission West finished in a tie for sixth to lead the Blue Devils. Pauls had rounds of 73-82-155 and Sites 72-83-155.

Sophomore Collin Herron of Topeka Hayden tied for 37th (79-87-166), freshman Montana Fasching of Piper shared 41st (78-90-168) and Newton frosh Dalton Ayres rounded out the scoring, tying for 73rd with a 178 after an opening 74.

The Blue Devils return to Jayhawk Conference play Saturday and Sunday, competing in the second spring designated tournament at Rolling Meadows in Junction City.