News

By Ryan Schlehuber, MCC Sportswriter

Consistency and the expectation of placing in the top two in each meet has been the story of Montcalm Community College Centurion’s men’s golf team as it once again finishes well at a meet, this time at the Glen Oaks Community College Invitational, taking second place, April 22. 

Throughout the spring season, the Centurions have finished no worse than second place at each meet. They continued that trend at the Island Hills Golf Course, finishing second with a team score of 308, following only Grand Rapids Community College, which won the invitational with a score of 304, 16-plus shots over par. Jackson College placed third with a total score of 322. 

“We played very solid,” MCC Head Coach Doug Harkema said. “It was another day we didn’t have to count a score above 79.” 

The top four players’ scores for each team make up a total team score, and the Centurions’ top four performed well at Glen Oaks Invitational, with sophomore Zach Johnson (Holt, Mich.) leading the way with an individual score of 75 (+3); followed by freshman Kenny Mitchell (Cedar Springs, Mich.) with a 76; freshman Mason Blair (Holt, Mich.), 78; and freshman Ethan Johnson (Holt, Mich.), with a 79. 

Other Centurions who scored were sophomore Jerald Brownell (Cedar Springs, Mich.) and sophomore Ryan Clingenpeel (East Lansing, Mich.), who both shot an 81. 

“Even though we only got second place, we still shot some good scores,” Clingenpeel said. “It was one of those days where anybody could go out and get it.” 

With how well MCC has performed this season, it is almost a letdown to the team if it finishes anywhere other than first place. 

“Second place, nowadays, feels like last place,” Clingenpeel laughed. 

That sort of mindset is just how this year’s Centurions team is built, Clingenpeel said. 

“We want to make a splash at nationals,” he said. “Our chances of winning it all may be low but we belong on the national level, not just in Michigan. We want to compete with the best teams and see how we stack up.” 

As of April 25, MCC is ranked 33rd in the National Junior College Athletics Association’s Division II rankings. Blair is the highest ranked Division II player at No. 164, followed by Ethan Johnson at No. 184, however, Harkema says he never looks at the national rankings, focusing more on what his players can control themselves, and, with the MCCAA Regionals coming up, Harkema said his team is now focused on play well when it matters most. 

“We are focusing on peaking at the correct time,” Harkema said. “We’re trying to keep our mindset right and I tell my players to trust themselves and their work will show up.” 

Harkema said Zach Johnson has played well lately, bouncing back from a not-so-Zach-Johnson play earlier in the spring. 

“He played very well here and it was nice to see him bounce back,” Harkema said. “Zach is probably the most rounded player on the team. He is good at all facets of the game. When he gets on a roll, look out.” 

Harkema also commended Mitchell’s recent outings, saying he’s been playing well and just keeps progressing with every meet. 

“He hits it a mile and is also putting really well,” he said. 

With all the success his team has enjoyed, it is no surprise Harkema is enjoying the season, as well. 

“I absolutely love this team,” he said. “They have a special bond with each other and it shows in their play. They surprise me every time out. They’re just a solid, solid group of guys.”