GOLF: Linksters qualify for nationals again
By Kyle Nevins
The men’s golf team will be returning to College Station, Texas, this June for the NJCAA national golf championship. The Apaches earned their repeat bid by winning the Region IV championship in Byron on Oct. 6 and 7.
IVCC defeated Black Hawk College by 30 strokes. IVCC shot a 619 (317, 302) for the tournament. Leading the Apaches was repeat medallist Josh Wheeler who shot a tourney low 146 (74, 72).
"The two rounds Josh threw together at this tournament were absolutely spectacular," Apache coach Jim Moskalewicz said. "He played virtually flawless golf in 25 – mile – per- hour winds with temperatures in the low 40s on a challenging course.
"The performance was nothing short of professional," Moskalewicz continued. "Again, Josh’s experience and composure when playing in big events was evident. He’s a big time player."
Three other Apaches who earned all-region honors were Tom Bartman with 157 (80, 77), Tim Puetz at 158 (82, 76) and Jeremy DeBernardi at 159 (82, 77).
"Tom Bartman’s leadership and sophomore experience showed at this tournament," the coach said. "Tim Puetz has proven himself as a tough competitor, especially in the second round of tournaments, and Jeremy is a steady player who never seems to make many mistakes.
"We dominated this tournament by staying focused and sticking to our game plan on the course," the coach said. "We discussed strategy as a team. I told the team good teams play better when the pressure is on, and weaker teams fade."
IVCC should continue to be strong next season as well. Although they lose Wheeler and Bartman, they return a good nucleus of talent led by DeBernardi and Puetz. They also return Tony Andreoni, Jess Cavanaugh, Tim Eckberg and Wes Schmidt.