Aggies finish 11th at Red River
THACKERVILLE, Oklahoma (March 10) – Cameron’s men’s golf team had a tough time this afternoon near the Oklahoma-Texas border at the Red River Intercollegiate tournament. CU finished in 11th place out of the 16 participating teams with an overall team score of 609 (304-305). The tournament was hosted by East Central University and was played at WinStar Golf Course.
“Today it was exactly like yesterday; we made the turn in good shape and then we played the back side horribly,” Head Coach Jerry Hrnciar said. “I really can’t figure out why we played that bad. We talked about it on the drive back, and no one can come up with a reason that makes sense.”
Northeastern State, a fellow Lone Star Conference school, won the team title at the Red River Intercollegiate with a total score of 585 (291-294). Chase Lindsay of Oklahoma Baptist won the individual championship with a two-round score of 144 (74-70). He won in a playoff with Pinkey Hartline of Texas A&M-Commerce who also shot a 144 (69-75).
“After this tournament I think we have very little chance to qualify for Regionals. Almost every Lone Star Conference and regional team beat us this week so we are really in trouble,” Coach Hrnciar said. “We would have to do something I can’t even fathom to get in the running for Regionals, but it still is possible.”
Cameron was led today by junior Michael Lee who shot a 151 (73-78) for a tie at 26th place. He finished the tournament with the event’s third-lowest par three scoring average (3.00, E).
“Joe Konieczny played well today even though his back was in a lot of pain and he barely made it through the tournament,” Coach Hrnciar said. “Our three most experienced players, Brett Leavell, Michael Lee, and Robbe Trout, did not play as well as they can.”
Coming in at a three-way tie for 46th place was senior Joe Konieczny (83-71) and juniors Brett Leavell (76-78) and Robbe Trout (83-71). The threesome each turned in a 154, and Konieczny showed the greatest improvement between his first and second round scores.
Rounding out CU’s scores was freshman Garrett Smith who recorded a 159 (79-80) for a tie at 62nd place.
“I really am at a loss as to what our next plan will be. What also hurts us is the fact that it doesn’t appear Peter Svajlen will be able to play anymore this year because of a wrist injury,” Coach Hrnciar said. “I think part of our problem right now is that our guys are trying too hard to make up the difference without Peter, when they need to just be taking care of their individual parts.”
The Aggie men’s golf team heads south to The Woodlands, Texas, next to take part in the Sam Houston State Intercollegiate golf tournament at the Augusta Pines Country Club. Currently Cameron is ranked #37 nationally by the Golf Coaches Association of America and #46 nationally by GolfStat.
