AXTELL, Neb. – State bragging rights were on the line this weekend as the annual Nebraska Intercollegiate (Oct. 6-7) welcomed competitors from 11 institutions to Awarri Dunes Golf Club in Ashland, Neb. The Concordia University Men’s Golf team placed seventh while led by fifth-year Bulldog Drew D’Ercole. The Papillion, Neb., native D’Ercole placed in a tie for fourth place (out of 55 individuals) and earned a medal for his two-round performance.
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad wound up with a total of 318-316–634. Conditions were more favorable on Saturday after a cold and windy Friday. Bellevue University emerged as the champion while shooting 302-301–603.
D’Ercole shined through as the obvious bright spot on a weekend that fell short of what Concordia had hoped for in Ashland. D’Ercole shot two-over-par on both days (74-74–148) and was only four strokes off individual tournament titlist Dylan Rodgers of Bellevue. D’Ercole also placed fourth at the Blue River Classic in early September. He finishes the fall with the team’s lowest scoring average of 74.0 (13 rounds).
The Bulldogs’ grouping of five also included Justin Webert (83-79–162; T-29th), Jake Richmond (83-79–162; T-31st), Jake Hagerbaumer (84-79–163; T-31st) and Gavin McWhorter (82-84–166; 37th). The tight bunching of two through five in the lineup is consistent with what has transpired throughout the fall for Concordia. The roster includes eight players averaging 18-hole scores below 78. The team’s scoring average entering the spring sits at 301.6.
Concordia Nebraska Intercollegiate results:
TEAM: 318-316–634 (7th/11)
T4. Drew D’Ercole: 74-74–148
T29. Justin Webert: 83-79–162
T31. Jake Richmond: 79-84–163
T31. Jake Hagerbaumer: 84-79–163
37. Gavin McWhorter: 82-84–166
The 2023-24 season will resume in the spring. The complete spring 2024 slate is yet to be announced.