MCC Golf Set For Another State Title Run

From School Reports

The Meridian Community College gold team is prepared for another run at MACJC State Championship in 2015 and the team looks to have the nucleus to make that type of run this season. The fourth ranked Eagles will return three starters from the 2014 State Championship team as they look to defend their title in 2015. 2014 All-State performers Connor Cavin (Baton Rouge LA), Ty Medling (Memphis, TN), and Austin Terrell (Kosciusko, MS) were key components to the team’s success last season.. Cavin and Medling each made All-State in 2014 by finishing the season with their MACJC scoring average ranking in the top five of all players in the state.

Cavin is ranked 24^th in the nation after the fall season, while Terrell just finished a strong fall season which included a top five finish at the Belhaven University Blazer Classic.

“We are fortunate to have three very strong, experienced players at the top of our lineup” said third year head coach Ronnie Key. “Each of these young men have played at a high level this year”.

Luther Thompson (Jackson, MS) is also a returning sophomore who had a strong fall. Luther’s fall was highlighted by a first place overall finish at Goose Pond Plantation Golf Course by shooting 72-69. Goose Pond Plantation GC is the site of this year’s NJCAA Division II National Championship.

“Luther is a very talented player who can really go low when he gets it going” said Coach Key.

Rounding out the sophomore class is Beau McMullen from Meridian, MS. “Beau has really come a long way with his golf game. He has made the transition from baseball to golf pretty well.”

This year’s freshman class has a wealth of talent also. Leading the way are Grant Renegar (McComb, MS) and Clayton Gray (Baldwyn, MS).

“Both players made each trip in the fall, which is a good accomplishment and gave them valuable experience leading into MACJC play this spring” Key said.

Rounding out the freshmen class are Aaron Ricks (Collinsville, MS), Colby Evans (Quitman, MS), and Will Zizmann (Hernando, MS).

“Each of our freshmen have worked extremely hard and added great depth to our team,” Key said.

This spring schedule is highlighted by a trip back to Goose Pond Plantation at the Spring Fling Invitational and the Arkansas State University Red Wolf Classic.

“Playing at Arkansas State is always an honor since we are the only junior college team to participate and all the other 21 teams are NCAA division I universities. Last year we were able to finish 15^th and are hoping for a better finish with a more experienced squad. Playing at Goose Pond is a great treat because 23 other NJCAA teams from all over the country are in the same tournament,” said Key.

The team will play five MACJC tournaments, including a home tournament at Briarwood Country Club on April 13-14.

“We get to play some great courses this spring including Dancing Rabbit in Philadelphia, MS and Rock Creek in Fairhope, AL.” Key said. “I am really looking forward to the season and to see if we can bring back another championship.”