Bison becoming a Bulldog on the golf course

McCook senior Jonas Somerville (center) signed to play golf at Concordia University following his senior season with the Bison this spring and graduation. Joining him the front row were mom Melissa Cary (left) and dad Jason Somerville. Standing behind Jonas from left are stepdad Kiel Cary, former McCook High golf coach Joe Vetrovsky and current Bison boys golf head coach Ben Vetrovsky.

Courtesy Photo

McCOOK, Neb. — The nation’s leader in NAIA scholar athletes added some McCook High talent into its men’s golf program on Monday.

Jonas Somerville signed to play for the Concordia University Bulldogs — proving there’s no putt-putt-putting along on mini-greens for this improving Bison senior.

Somerville filled the crucial final varsity spot on last year’s Class B state-qualifying boys team which featured then-sophomore Mason Michaelis along with 2021 grads Brady Esch and Peyton Craw.

Now Jonas is ready to jump into one of those top Bison varsity spots entering 2022 — then a collegiate golf career.

“Honestly, I didn’t know if I could do it. Golf was just a hobby at first, but it really turned into a passion,” Somerville told Bison radio voice Rich Barnett and other local media this week. “I put in some extra work this summer and realized I can do college golf. Concordia was interested, and it’s a nice Christian school that has the values I am looking for.”

Jonas will study special education at Concordia in Seward. The school’s website does proclaim “it leads the nation in NAIA scholar athletes.”

“We’re talking about going to a great school,” McCook boys golf coach Ben Vetrovsky remarked. “I worked with Jonas over the summer. He has great potential to make the senior jump and do some great things.”

Somerville helped McCook finish No. 4 among all Class B state teams last spring. The Bison shot 679 while trailing only Elkhorn Mount Michael, Omaha Skutt and Norris.

“I think we have the tools to take it to the next level,” he said while confirming this senior season “will not pass him by.”

“As long as we put in the work outside of practice, we are going to be good this year,” Jonas added. “I need to get more consistent and add a few yards to my drive.”

“Talk about a guy who does everything right, that’s Jonas,” former McCook boys golf coach Joe Vetrovsky said.

Joe directed the Bison to 2021 and 2019 state tourneys with only COVID-19 erasing a likely 2020 state run.

“Jonas will do great things in whatever he does,” Joe Vetrovsky added. “Now he can put the signing behind him, he can focus on playing some really great golf as a senior.”