NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. – Unable to co-host the Blue River Classic due to recent heavy rain, the Concordia University men’s golf team instead opened up the 2018-19 campaign at Wednesday (Sept. 5)’s Briar Cliff Fall Invitational in North Sioux City, S.D. Nolan Zikas got his senior campaign off to a solid start by shooting an even-par 70 at the Two Rivers Golf Club course.
The 301 carded by the team fell below the expectations eighth-year head coach Brett Muller had for his ‘A’ squad that was greeted by favorable conditions. A total of 10 Bulldogs made the trip. The ‘B’ team carded a 347.
A three-time all-conference performer, Zikas figures to be the low man among Bulldogs at many tournaments in 2018-19. The native of La Vista, Neb., tied for second on Wednesday while finishing three strokes off the lead. Transfer Josh Schaefer (75; T-11th) and junior Tylar Samek (76; T-14th) were the only other Concordia competitors to shoot under 80. Rounding out the Bulldogs’ first grouping was junior Colton Zulkoski (80; T-27th) and sophomore Jayden Neal (82; 31st).
Freshman William Christianson topped Concordia’s second group by shooting an 85 (34th place). He was followed by sophomore Harrison Helmer (86, T-35th), freshman Nathan Auffuet (87; T-38th), senior Grant Suchanek (89; 41st) and freshman Landon Walkenhorst (92; 42nd).
The Bulldogs were originally scheduled to serve as the day two host of the Blue River Classic. Instead, Briar Cliff quickly put together its own invite to make up for it. Concordia, Briar Cliff, Doane and Mount Marty sent squads to the Briar Cliff Fall Invite.
Next up is the Siouxland Invite (Sept. 13-14) set to take place in both Orange City and Sioux Center, Iowa.