(Tucson, AZ) The Pima Community College men’s golf team closed out the 2023 season on Friday in the final round of the NJCAA Division I National Championships at the Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton, Kansas.
The Aztecs finished in 21st place with a four-day total of 1211 (298-301-297-315).
Sophomore Jay Shero finished tied for 24th place with a final total of 290 as he closed out the final day with a 6-over par 78 (72-70-70-78-290). He was 14-strokes behind the leader in the final standings.
Freshman Herman Holst finished tied for 78th place as he shot a 304 for the tournament (73-77-72-82).
Sophomore Max Krueger (Salpointe Catholic HS) also closed out the final round with an 82 as he tied for 89th place with a 309 (72-80-75-82).
Sophomore Caleb Knight produced the best round of the day for the Aztecs finishing with a 1-over par 73.
“I think we peaked at the wrong time and we fell flat at the national tournament,” Pima golf coach Marcus Smith said. “I’m proud of these boys and I love these boys. There’s no such thing as a failed season. We didn’t do as well as we were expected to do and we understand that and that is disappointing, but that doesn’t take away from the journey.
“The national tournament was hard, tough conditions and we just didn’t live up to the expectation. No one gave up and everyone battled to the very end. These boys have bright futures ahead of them and this national tournament doesn’t define them as individuals nor me as a coach. We hoped to leave national champions, but that wasn’t in the cards. The relationships we built along the way were championship worthy.”
Kruger was selected second team 2023 NJCAA Division I PING All-America. Krueger, along with Holst, Shero and sophomore Daniel Henely (Cienega HS) were selected to the NJCAA Division I All-West District Team.
Press Release courtesy of Pima Aztec Athletics – Raymond Suarez
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