Eagles Claim Runner-Up at District, Shoot 6-Under Final Round

(GREENVILLE, Ala.) - The Meridian Community College golf team claimed runner-up at the NJCAA District IV Championship Tuesday at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail- Cambrian Ridge in Greenville, Ala.

The second place finish is the best showing for MCC at Districts.

The Eagles shot the low round of the event Tuesday with a six-under par team score of 278.

MCC was led by Brandt Garon on the final day as the freshman shot his thirteenth even-par or lower round of the season, a three-under par 68.

Sophomore Cory Williamson continued his stellar play with a final round one-under par 70. Freshmen Clemens Dvorak and Bo Reed each posted one-under par rounds of 70 to help the Eagles climb the leader board on the final day.

Sophomore Garrett Westbrook posted a six-over 77 on Tuesday.

"This was one of the lowest rounds of the season for us," said MCC golf coach Sean Covich.

"So proud of the guys, saved our best for last, six-under par round will give us confidence and momentum heading to nationals."

Central Alabama won the event with an 848, Meridian was in second with an 859, Brevard (FL) came in third with an 863. Walters State (TN) was in fourth with an 878, Wake Tech (NC) came in fifth with an 881 while Cape Fear (NC) got sixth with an 885.

Twelve teams from seven states participated in the event with the top six teams advancing to the NJCAA Division I national championship in May.

"We finished third last season so our goal was to improve with a win or runner-up and in doing so qualify for nationals," added Covich.

Individually Cory Williamson led MCC this week. The sophomore from Collins, MS shot 212 (74-68-70) and was named to the All-Tournament team.

Brandt Garon finished with a 214 (77-69-68).

Both Garon and Williamson were also named to the Golf Coaches Association of America's All Region Team.

Clemens Dvorak shot 217 (72-75-70), Garrett Westbrook had a 223 (71-75-77), while Bo Reed had a 229 (77-82-70).

MCC will now prepare to host their annual Alumni & Friends Scramble on Friday, May 14th before traveling to Huntsville, AL for the 2010 NJCAA National Championship on May 18th-21st.