NIACC men set to play in Region XI tournament in Cedar Rapids

Olson, a former Newman Catholic standout, was the meet medalist at the Iowa Lakes Invitational with a career-best round of 71 on April 29. Olson shot a 74 at the NIACC Invitational on April 22 and shot a 79 at the Iowa Central Invitational on April 15.

"Dalton Olson has really been playing well the last week and a half," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "I really look for him to be the leader of this team (at regionals)

"I really hope he plays well. He deserves it with all the time and effort he's put into his game."

The winning team and the next five individuals that aren't from the winning team qualify for the NJCAA national meet May 21-24 in Scottsboro, Ala.

Also competing for NIACC in the regional tournament will be freshman Levi Fink (Wadena, Ia.),sophomore Jacob Urdahl (Mason City, Ia.), freshman Kevin Trobaugh (Gladbrook, Ia.) and freshman Joe Myers (Sheffield, Ia.).

NIACC is coming off a first-place finish at the Iowa Lakes Invitational with a season-low 296. The Trojans placed second at their own invitational with a 299.

"Any time you win against our conference opponents, you know you've accomplished something," Frenz said, "and to win a week before the regional obviously is a great confidence boost.

"We can't wait to get the tournament started. We have high goals."

Frenz said his team is prepared for the regional tournament.

"For as bad as Mother Nature has treated us this spring our guys have done a tremendous job of getting better every time they have gone out and played," the coach said. "Our last two tournaments really proved to us that we can play at a level that can put us at the top of the regional tournament.

"I believe our fall season was a very positive influence on what we've done this spring and I look forward to the challenge on Monday and Tuesday."

Frenz put the favorite tag on Kirkwood.

"Kirkwood is probably the favorite with it being on their home course," he said, "but honestly all of teams in the league have had their moments this spring. We will certainly be in the mix as will DMACC, Iowa Lakes and Iowa Central."

A LOOK AT THE TROJANS

2012 spring season

Levi Fink

April 4 (DMACC) - 36-34 - 70. April 6 (Central Shootout) - 35-42 - 77. April 12-13 (AIB Invitational) - 74-79 - 153. April 15 (Iowa Central Invitational) - 39-35 - 74. April 22 (NIACC Invitational) - 36-39 - 75. April 29 (Iowa Lakes Invitational) - 72.

Average - 74.4 (7 rounds). Low 18-hole round - 70 (April 4 at DMACC Invitational).

Dalton Olson

April 4 (DMACC) - 39-40 - 79. April 6 (Central Shootout) - 39-48 - 87. April 12-13 (AIB Invitational) - 83-79 - 162. April 15 (Iowa Central Invitational) - 37-42 - 79. April 22 (NIACC Invitational) - 35-39 - 74. April 29 (Iowa Lakes Invitational) - 71.

Average (7 rounds) - 78.8. Low 18-hole round - 71 (April 29 at Iowa Lakes Invitational).

Jacob Urdahl

April 4 (DMACC) - 40-39 - 79. April 6 (Central Shootout) - 36-41 - 77. April 12-13 (AIB Invitational) - 84-82 - 166. April 15 (Iowa Central Invitational) - 39-41 - 80. April 22 (NIACC Invitational) - 37-36 - 73. April 29 (Iowa Lakes Invitational) - 77.

Average (7 rounds) - 78.8. Low 18-hole round: 73 (April 22 at NIACC Invitational).

Kevin Trobaugh

April 4 (DMACC) - 40-40 - 80. April 6 (Central Shootout) - 41-45 - 86. April 12-13 (AIB Invitational) - 84-81 - 165. April 15 (Iowa Central Invitational) - 39-40 - 79. April 22 (NIACC Invitational) - 39-40 - 79. April 29 (Iowa Lakes Invitational) - 76.

Average (7 rounds) - 80.7. Low 18-hole round: 76 (April 29 at Iowa Lakes Invitational).

Joe Myers

April 4 (DMACC) - 39-42 - 81. April 15 (Iowa Central) - 38-40 - 78. April 22 (NIACC) - 40-37 - 77. April 29 (Iowa Lakes) - 78.

Average (4 rounds): 78.5. Low 18-hole round - 77 (April 22 at NIACC Invitational).