Rochester, Mn-

Golfers from around the Minnesota College Athletic Conference and the NJCAA Region XIII convened over October 2nd and 3rd in the MCAC/Region XIII Golf Championships. The two day event dodged some weather concerns to squeeze in the required rounds, which concludes the fall schedule for all teams. 

En route to both the MCAC and Region XIII Championships,  M State shot a second round 309 to win both titles.  The margin of victory for the NJCAA honors could not have been tighter, as the Region XIII victory was by one stroke over Southwest (WI) Technical College, a squad who shot 313 in the second round.   Mesabi Range College finished third in the Region and took the runner-up spot in the MCAC.  Rochester CTC finishes fourth in both Region and Conference play, carding a 748 team score. 

The Spartans took the tougher path to the hardward, as they trailed after Day 1 but played the final three holes in 2 under par fashion to rally for the team victory.  With the triumph, M State  celebrates their both their 7^th consecutive Region XIII Championship and 7^th consecutive MCAC championship.

Individually, Hunter Moen earned individual champion honors for both the Region and MCAC.  He shot a second round of 74 for a two day total of 150.  Mitch Steiner - a 2017 1^st team All-American - came in second with a cumulative total of 151 for the event. Moen is the Spartans 4^th individual Region Champion in the last 7 years.

By sweeping both the MCAC and Regional event, the Spartans will return in June to the NJCAA Division III National Championship, to be held at Chautauqua, NY.

NJCAA Regional Team Results:

Individual Results by Team:

M State Fergus Falls 

Hunter Moen 76-74= 150

Mason Landborg 78-74= 152

Nick Kress 81-80= 161

Jordan Kern 87-81= 168

Blake Bloedorn 84-85= 169

Southwest (WI) Technical College

Mitch Steiner 77-74= 151

Drew Zimmerman 78-74= 152

Rollin Petersen 80-78= 158

Matt Ambrose 82-87= 169

Trey Stendalen 81-93= 174

Mesabi Range College

Nick Moe 76-78= 154

Jon Rue 83-81= 164

John Sjoberg 77-91= 168

Zach Rinne 84-85= 169

Beau Halttunen 98-75= 173

Rochester Community & Technical College

Ethan Otterbein 82-79= 161

Nick Paulsen 80-83= 163

Will Forberg 112-95= 207

Austin Miller 109-108= 217

According to M State head golf coach, Jason Retzlaff:

"This was one of the most exciting rounds I can remember having our golf program involved with as we went head to head with an outstanding Southwest Tech team. We trailed going into the last six holes but our players kept their composure and stayed in the moment. Our team played the final three holes of the championship in two under par to close the deal.  I couldn't be more proud of the way they competed under immense pressure. This might be the deepest team (in terms of)  1-10 that we have had.  It is a great team accomplishment for all ten of our Spartan golfers this fall." 

Retzlaff went on to note:  "Congrats Hunter Moen on the individual championship. He was an absolute rock and went toe to toe in the 2^nd round with one of the best players in Div. III golf (Mitch Steiner-Southwest Tech). Hunter showed the poise of a champion.  Mason Landborg played a superb final round.  He was the epitome of clutch with birdies on two of his last three holes."

"Lots of credit has to go to Southwest Tech as they have a tremendous team and a first rate golf program.  It took everything we had to come out on top against such a great opponent.  Mesabi Range needs to be commended as well as they played 2 very good team rounds of golf and finished very strong."

Story courtesy of M State, Mesabi Range and MCAC Sports 

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This release sponsored in part by Gopher Sport. 

Gopher Sport, based in Owatonna, is an industry leader in Physical Education, sports and fitness equipment.  Gopher Sport is dedicated to providing programs and departments with the products to improve fitness, develop skills, create fun and reach a high standard of learning and living. Gopher Sport has diligently served teachers, coaches and athletic directors around the world for over 65 years. 

About the Minnesota College Athletic Conference

The Minnesota College Athletic Conference is the organizational body for NJCAA-affiliated two-year technical and community college athletic programs in the Minnesota State system.  The mission of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference is to advance intercollegiate athletics by providing an engaging and supportive environment for success of our student athletes and competition among member institutions.  The MCAC is committed to the guiding principles of encouraging the development and success of student athletes, promoting the integrity, honesty and loyalty to member schools as well as upholding the sustainability of conference athletic programs.