Escalera's Hole-in-One Propels Hastings to 3rd Place Finish
(Orange City, Iowa) - The Men's Golf team finished 3rd out of 18, which includes 2nd out of all GPAC teams in this week's Men's Siouxland Invite. The team started off slow shooting a 18-over (302), but bounced back nicely in the second round shooting a team tournament low 1-under (283) followed by a respectable 3-over (287) to conclude a podium finish.
Senior Gabriel Escalera capped off his tournament by tying for third at 2-over (75-68-72), where he finished his 3rd round off with three birdies and a hole-in-one. His birdie on the 18th helped him jump into the top three to earn a medal and broke their tie with Doane to take third alone. Even though he didn't win, this is a legendary moment he will cherish forever.
In addition, there were also very nice showings from junior Henry Kosmicki (8th, 74-72-71) and junior Max Nielsen (13th, 77-70-72). Junior Ryker Dunkley (20th, 76-74-72) and sophomore Carter Hinkle (30th, 79-73-73) also made important contributions to the comeback. Freshmen Blake Eddy (42nd, 75-77-76) and Bryce Colby (57th, 79-79-76) also made their debuts in a program that has a very bright future.
The JV men's golf team, along with the women's golf team, will be competing in the one-day Wichita Air Capital Classic JV Invite in Wichita, Kansas at Auburn Hills GC on Monday, September 16th. The varsity golf team will compete next at the NAIA Midwest Invitational in Silvis, IL on Sept. 23-24.
