'Stangs on course for strong finish

 

After technological problems, results are in – Mullen boys won one golf tournament on Monday and produced the individual medalist, and competed in another in this blur of a Season A during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In Lakewood at a demanding Bear Creek Golf Club, the Mustangs won the team race by a shot and had Rhett Johnson shoot 2-over-par 74 to tie Arapahoe’s Matthew Wilkinson for top honors.

A senior, Johnson, who has played strongly for multiple weeks, opened with a birdie and went 37-37 over the 6,682-yard layout. He turned in 13 pars, two birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey.

Another senior, Mario Dino, backed him with a 77. Beginning 3-over after two holes, Dino settled in – he birdied Nos. 8 and 9 to make the turn in 38 and came home in 77. He tied for fifth.

Junior Andrew Brady finished with 82 (42-40) to tie for 17^th and freshman Ryan Brady was tied for 25^th at 85 (40-45).

Teamwise, Class 4A Mullen totaled 233, one better than 5A Fossil Ridge in the 16-team field, 12 of which that are in the highest classification.

Also Monday, the Mustangs sent a second group to the modified Cherry Creek Invite at Denver’s Kennedy G.C., another event this season that had to employ different scheduling. Prior to the pandemic, it was to be one of the season’s largest gatherings (about three dozen schools) and be contested at Buffalo Run G.C. in Commerce City.

However, Mullen coach Jerry Koehler used the change to give a fifth varsity player and three others from junior varsity opportunities to play on the upper level.

Individually, junior Brodie Reister shot 42-37—79 to finish 28^th; sophomore Ethan Karr turned in 39-42—81 for a tie for 39^th; junior Ben Hawes tied for 53rd at 43-41—84; and senior Tommy O’Sullivan tied for 58^th at 44-41—85.

As a team, Mullen was 11^th at 244, the second-best 4A program (Pueblo West was sixth) in the SA-dominated field.

In addition, Mullen’s strong performances this season has it as one of the top eight teams in 4A rankings. The Mustangs, along with Silver Creek, will be in Region 3 to be played at Quail Dunes G.C. in Fort Morgan.

The other three regionals with top placings:

Region 1 -- Pueblo West and Durango, Desert Hawk G.C. in Pueblo West.

Region 2 -- Cheyenne Mountain and Ponderosa, Country Club of Colorado in Colorado Springs.

Region 4 -- Montrose and Green Mountain, Boomerang G.C., Greeley.

Regionals are scheduled for Sept. 21-25.