Bison boys 2nd at Hastings golf meet

HASTINGS, Nebraska -- Mother Nature ruled the Hastings Invitational boys golf meet, but the McCook High School squad wasn't too far behind.

The Thursday, April 14 competition at Lochland Country Club north of Hastings was shortened to nine holes due to unfavorable weather conditions.

McCook finished second with a team total of 153 strokes. Class A Omaha Creighton Prep won the team title with a low score of 150.

Seven of the 11 teams entered represented the state's Class A ranks.

"It is a very good meet to go compete in due to the timing of the season and the level of competition," said McCook head coach Rick Haney.

The Bison coach said play was halted twice due to weather conditions. Haney said the tournament director decided to score only the first nine holes and stop play. Haney said due to the fact that players had started on both the front and back nines, no individual medals were awarded.

Bison individual scores

Despite the challenging weather, the Bison turned in strong individual scores.

Senior Ben Vetrovsky "once again showed his grit," Haney said, as Vetrovsky led McCook with a 37. Ben tied for fifth in the individual standings.

"I know he has established high goals for himself and the team, and it is good to see him continue to move forward with his game," Haney said of his senior leader.

Sophomore Sean Backer also turned in a strong showing with a 38 to tie for seventh.

"Sean is improving daily and will no doubt will be a contributor when we need it at districts and state," Haney said.

The Bison coach said seniors Cory Dallam and Drew Shields both had very nice starts for their respective rounds, as each carded nine-hole scores of 39. Dallam and Shields finished in a six-way tie for 10th.

"Both these guys are seniors who continue to develop and gain consistency with their games," Haney said.

Alan Goodenberger, a junior, also recorded a 41 for the Bison.

"Alan is a player whom I, as a coach, am very pleased with," Haney said. "His play is getting very steady and consistent."

Home meet April 19

The Bison are looking forward to next Tuesday's Ron Coleman Invitational at the Heritage Hills Golf Course in McCook. Tuesday's meet is set to begin at 9 a.m.

"We are excited and eager to host our own event," Haney said. "It should prove to be a very good tournament with a high level of competition."

TIGER INVITATIONAL

Team Standings