MCC Golf Wins Third Straight State/Region Championship, Justin Eaves named Player of the Year

WESSON, Miss. – The Meridian Community College golf team continued their record
setting season by capturing the 8th and 9th victories of the 2006-07 season at this years MACJC State & NJCAA Region XXIII golf championships. The two-round event, which crowns both the state and region champion, was completed at the par-72, 6,745-yard Wolf Hollow Golf Course on Tuesday.

MCC shot a two day total of 593 (292-301) to claim the school’s third straight MACJC State/NJCAA Region XXIII championship. Hinds CC claimed team runner up honors with a two day total of 603 (300-303). First round leader Mississippi Gulf Coast CC finished third with a two day total of 612 (293-319). With the win, MCC will advance to the NJCAA Div. II men’s golf championship on May 22-25 in Scottsboro, AL.

“This has been our goal all season long, I’m just so proud of this team because they have represented MCC with class everywhere that they went.” said MCC head golf coach Sean Covich, who was named the 2007 NJCAA Region XXIII Golf Coach of the Year.

“It was also special to have Coach Lou Hart watching, she has done so much for the program and we wouldn’t be here without the hard work and love that she has put into this program.”

On the final day, MCC was led by sophomore Justin Eaves, who was given the MACJC “Hubert Tucker” Player of the Year award after the round. The Louisville, Miss., native cared a 1-under par 71 in the final round. The 2006 NJCAA All-American has carded a team best 10 rounds of even-par or better this season. After his 146 (75-71) two day total, Eaves was also named to his second career All Region XXIII Team.

Sophomore Dustin Petit, who was the defending 2006 MACJC Player of the Year, fired an opening round of 3-under par 69 to take the first round individual lead. He then cared a 4-over par 76 on day two to finish with a 1-over par two day total of 145. Petit was runner up to medalist Sonny Williams of Hinds who shot a 141 (70-71). With the finish, Petit was named the MACJC Runner-Up medalist, First Team All State and to the All Region XXIII Team.

Freshman Jarrod Lemaster followed up his opening round or 2-under par 70 with a 5 over par 77 claimed a top-five finish in fourth. Lemaster was named Second Team All State and to the All Region XXIII Team.

Bryant Self continued his steady play with a two day total of 156 (78-78), while
freshman Joshua Ivy also shot 156 (79-77).

Considered one of the more successful sophomore classes in MCC golf history, the 2005-2007 players have combined for 15 tournament victories in their time. The sophomore class has also captured two MACJC State & NJCAA Region XXIII championships, had two separate players named MACJC Player of the Year, and all five starters from last seasons NJCAA national championship 3rd place team signed with four-year universities.

“It certainly has been a successful season, I couldn’t have asked more out of these players on or off the golf course,” added Covich.

“I am proud to have them represent MCC at the national championship.”