Meet Results
AURORA, Ill. – The Edgewood College men's golf team nearly pulled off a comeback to remember, but in the end the Eagles will be happy to take home a pair of individual honors from the NACC Men's Golf Championships. Junior Zach Hentrich claimed his first NACC Player of the Year award by winning the 72-hole split-season championship, while Dawson Hinz earned NACC Freshman of the Year honors.
THE BASICS
Final Results: Edgewood College 2nd of 9 (327-318-316-299)
Location: Aurora, Ill. (Stonebridge C.C.)
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Edgewood College had put themselves in a difficult position heading into Monday's final round. The Eagles stood only 10 shots back of the leaders Wisconsin Lutheran, but were in fifth place with three other teams to climb over.
- The Eagles pulled out their best round of the season, for the most important moment. Edgewood College shot a 299 in the fourth round, leaping over Aurora University, Concordia University Wisconsin and Marian University. All five Eagles broke 80 in the final round. The only team they couldn't reel in was the Warriors. The Eagles gained five strokes in the final round, but Wisconsin Lutheran held them off for the NACC championship.
- Zach Hentrich won the individual title with his remarkable consistency. Hentrich was the only Eagle to break 80 in all four rounds of the tournament, shooting 74 and 74 in this weekend's finale. His score of 302 (+14) claimed the title by five strokes over WLC's Garrett Ralston.
- Hinz claimed Freshman of the Year and All-Conference honors with a pair of 79s in the final two rounds. He tied for eighth place with a score of 316.
- Nathan Gilbert rallied after a disappointing third round to shot a one-over par 73, sharing low Monday score honors with Justin Mustari of Aurora. Gilbert finished in 16th place with a 72-hole total of 322.
- Alex Wedige shot a 75 on the final day to nearly climb into the top 20, placing 21st with a score of 325.
- Jensen Peck recovered from a difficult Sunday round to fire a 77 and finish at 334.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- Hentrich became the fifth Eagle in school history to win NACC Player of the Year, joining Patrick Cahill (2013-14), Brent Quade (2011-12), Aaron Gavin (2009-10) and Bob Stilling (2006-07).
- Despite his record of success, this was Hentrich's first collegiate tournament title. He had finished in the top five in each of the last two years, and therefore earned his third all-conference award.
- Hentrich's consistency this season is nothing short of amazing. His last 16 competitive rounds have all been in the 70s. He hasn't failed to break 80 since September 12, 2016 and finished in the top 10 in six events this year.
- Hinz became the second Eagle men's golfer to win NACC Freshman of the Year. The other was Mike Schilling in the 2010-11 season.
UP NEXT
- Edgewood College will conclude the 2016-17 season on Friday by hosting the Edgewood College Spring Invitational at Bishops Bay Country Club in Middleton. The four-team, single day event begins at 9:00 a.m.
