SEWARD, Neb. – Action at the annual Blue River Classic will run Tuesday and Wednesday from Highlands Golf Course in Lincoln, Neb., home to the Concordia University Golf programs. The Blue River Classic men’s golf tournament will feature a total of 78 golfers from nine institutions. In a change to the previous years’ formats, the event will include 54 holes, 36 on Tuesday and 18 on Wednesday. The tournament is being co-hosted by Concordia and Doane. Live scoring will be provided through the Golf Genius app (information below).
2022 Blue River Classic
• Sept. 6 – 8 a.m. | Sept. 7 – 8:30 a.m.
• Highlands GC | Lincoln, Neb.
• Live Results: Golf Genius (GGID = 2022BLUERIVER)
• Format: 36 holes on day 1, 18 holes on day 2
Head Coach Brett Muller’s squad will expect to go low on its home course and may even challenge the program records it broke last week in Oklahoma City. At the UC Ferguson Classic, the Bulldogs set new school standards for an 18-hole team score and 36-hole team score while shooting 283-284–567. Concordia placed 10th out of 18 teams in the field and beat out GPAC rivals Northwestern (12th), Dordt (13th), Briar Cliff (15th) and Dakota Wesleyan (16th). The Bulldogs finished 11 strokes off conference powerhouse Morningside (281-275–556) and placed above Sterling College (Kan.), which is receiving votes in the NAIA coaches’ poll.
Drew D’Ercole led the way overall by shooting a two-round total of 71-68–139 for a three-under-par. He placed in a tie for 23rd out of 102 golfers in the UC Ferguson field. A two-time state medalist at Yutan High School, freshman Jake Richmond put together a fine first collegiate tournament while shooting 69-73–142, good for a tie for 36th overall. The rest of the lineup featured Justin Webert (72-71–143; T-43rd), Ivan Yabut (71-72–143; T-43rd) and Jake Hagerbaumer (76-75–151; T-77th). Two Bulldogs competed as individuals: Gavin McWhorter (80-74–154; T-84th) and Josh D’Ercole (81-77–158; T-91st). Yabut was the team’s No. 1 golfer last year and placed fifth in the GPAC.
Muller will enter two groupings into the Blue River Classic while showcasing the team’s depth. Seven Bulldogs also competed at the Mount Marty Fall Invite (Aug. 25-26) in what was considered a junior varsity event for Concordia. The team’s top competitor at Mount Marty was Jacob Woodmancy, who shot 74-82–156.
Following the Blue River Classic, the Bulldog men’s golf team will have two remaining events this fall: the Siouxland Invite (Sept. 12-13) and the Nebraska Intercollegiate (Sept. 30-Oct. 1).