Iowa Western Men's Golf Finishes Year at the National Championship; Ethan Main Earns All-American Honors
Newton, KS – Iowa Western Men's Golf wrapped up their season at the National Championship this past week at Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kansas. The Reivers went into the championship with a #17 National Ranking, after 4 rounds of tremendous competition they closed with a 12th place finish.
On day 1 the Reivers were led by freshman Ethan Main who opened with a 3-under par 69. The round was highlighted with 4 birdies. Sophomore Ryan Lingelbach would follow Main with a 1-over par 73. Fellow sophomore Bowdie Fox would shoot an opening round 78, and rounding out the scoring was sophomore Nick Slobbe with an 80.
Day 2 Iowa Western adjusted their lineup and inserted freshman Emmanuel Jensen, who would lead the Reivers with a very impressive even par round of 72. Lingelbach would post a 1-over par 73. Main got off to a rocky start, but closed strong as he would play the final five holes of the afternoon at 5-under par to post a 3-over par 75. Fox would close day 2 with a 79.
Day 3 the Reivers again adjusted their lineup. Iowa Western was led by Lingelbach who would come in at even par 72. Main would follow up with a 2-over par 74. Fox would post a 76, and Slobbe would chip in with a 79.
"I was really pleased with our focus and fight all week. We battled stiff winds and some untimely mistakes, but the guys continued to fight and get the most they could out of their rounds", said Iowa Western Coach Ryan Norman. "This team developed all year and got better. We never really put a round together that we knew we were capable of, however we got closer to doing the things you have to do to be a great team. That will not only pay off for our freshman who will be our sophomore leaders next year but will also help our graduating sophomores as they move on to play at their next school and throughout their golf careers."
Day 4 was the final day of the competition. Iowa Western came into the final day in 14th place and saw Main and Lingelbach in a great position to come home with All-American honors individually. All the days were windy, but day 4 saw the strongest winds. Main and Jensen would lead the way with a pair of 3-over par 75's. Fox would end his championship with a 77, and Slobbe would round out the scoring with an 80. Overall, it was a good day considering the winds and was good enough to move the Reivers up to a 12th place finish overall, and Main would earn All-American honors for his efforts.
This was the final event of the season, as the Reivers say goodbye to all of their sophomores who have already signed or will be signing to continue their academic and golf careers with 4-year schools. "This group helped lay a great foundation for our freshman class, which will pay dividends down the road as we continue to build our program into National Championship contenders year after year", Norman said.