MEN’S GOLF

The Huntington men’s golf team kicked off its 2019 season over the weekend with a 10th place finish at the Lou Collins Memorial Classic hosted by Olivet College at Bedford Valley Country Club. The Foresters shot a 318 on Friday before turning in a 319 on Saturday to finish with 61-over-par 637.

Keith Mineer posted a 78 on his first 18 and then fired a team-low 76 in his second round to pace HU with a 154 for 24th place overall out of 75 golfers. Logan De Maa finished 36th by carding a 157 (78-79).

As Huntington’s No. 3 man, Otto Bjartmarz shot a 162 (79-83) for 49th place. Carter Roseboom fired a 164 (83-81) while David Beck and Hank Pulver claimed a 176 (85-91) and 183 (90-93) respectively.

“I am encouraged by what I saw from our young team. Sophomore Keith Mineer played solid in the middle portion of the event,” said Coach Sholund. “He had two three-hole stretches that really hurt him so this should be a confidence builder.

“Team Captain Logan De Maa had a couple stretches that cost him so I expect that he will bounce back at our next event. He is a great player and his game is ready.”

Allegheny took home the title with a 589 followed by Trine (590), Hope (593), Kalamazoo (598), Calvin (613), Albion (618), Spring Arbor (622), Siena Heights (630), Madonna (636), HU (637), Alma (639), Olivet (659 and Cornerstone (717).

Overall, Coach Sholund likes what he see. “We have to clean things up around the greens and from 20 feet out in putting. That area pushed our numbers up in our first event and I trust that they will improve in these areas as we move on to the next event.

“We are young and I am pleased with their focus and desire to learn. If their work ethic continues to grow, their performances will become more consistent.”

Next up for Sholund and crew is the Bill Bockwitz Classic on September 23-24.