MCC bringing more home touch to team with golfer

McCook High alum Payton Craw (second from right) will continue his golf career with the hometown McCook Community College Indians as he signed a letter of intent on Thursday. Craw just finished a season where he medaled at the Class B state tournament and won the Ron Coleman Invitational at Heritage Hills. Pictured from left with Payton are former McCook High School golf coach Joe Vetrovsky, dad Kent Craw and MCC coach Tyler Loop.

Courtesy photo

McCOOK, Neb. — Coach Tyler Loop didn’t have to look far for another ingredient in what has been a winning McCook Community College men’s golf recipe.

“I really started noticing him last year,” the Heritage Hills golf pro explained as Craw spent many days refining his skills during COVID-19. “His swing. His demeanor. And he became very interested (in MCC) right off the bat.”

Nothing changed during a much busier and more enjoyable season this spring.

Craw captured the Ron Coleman Invitational while helping his McCook Bison win that team title over two previous Class B state champion squads.

With seniors Brady Esch and Mason Michaelis, the Bison went on to qualifying for Class B state once again. They earned a top four team place with Craw also earning his first Class B medal to close his Bison career.

Then, the once expected pole vaulter focused back to making his leap into collegiate golf.

Craw officially signed with the McCook Community College program on Thursday.

“I honestly think this is the best recruiting class I have ever had at MCC,” Loop proclaimed during his interview with McCook radio voice Rich Barnett.

“Payton will be a big part of it. He’s going to help the other guys who aren’t familiar with the courses,” Loop added. “He puts in a lot of work and he does it the right way with how he practices.”

Craw will continue building on his senior momentum during next week’s Match Play event at Heritage Hills set for Tuesday.

“I think I have a shot to do really well,” he confirmed to Barnett.

There are some other Nebraska summer tour events planned before Craw hits the MCC challenge full swing later this summer.

“I think competition to make each tournament is going to be as tough as the tournaments,” Loop concluded. “Of course, our guys have to execute and put up the scores.”