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Iowa Central Community College

Tritons make history on links

Tritons make history on links
Posted: May 21, 2021

PLYMOUTH, Ind. - The Iowa Central men's golf team made history here Friday, recording the highest finish in program history by placing fourth at the NJCAA Div. II Championship.

The Tritons shot a 309 on the fourth and final day of competition, finishing the week with a team score of 1,193. Parkland knocked off defending champion South Mountain to claim the title with Glendale third. Kirkwood was fifth overall.

Joe Forsting, Austin Erickson, Tomas Ribeiro, Justin Schipper and Liam Ross comprised the team, with Ribeiro having the low round on Tuesday, Schipper on Wednesday, Forsting on Thursday and Erickson on Friday.

"We talked all year about doing something special and that's what this group accomplished this week," Iowa Central head coach Kris Graewin said. "This group of young men was able to best any other finish at nationals by an Iowa Central golf team. It's a great accomplishment and something I'll remember forever. Each group has its own personality and this group has been a blast to be around.
 
"The sophomore class was my first recruiting class at Iowa Central and I couldn't be happier to have Joe, Kyle (Wille), Cody (Dirks), Nick (Tennis) and Lane (Stanley) graduating this semester and moving forward in their desires."

Forsting fired a 77, his fourth round of the week under that number. He finished tied for 15th overall after picking up three birdies and eight pars on the day. Erickson had a 75 on Friday to place in a tie for 20th, giving him a third round under that number thanks to a birdie, 14 pars, two bogeys and a double-bogey.

"This week has been a really cool experience. I was striking the ball about as good as I could ask for, and mostly everything felt good except for the fact that I couldn't make a putt the entire tournament," Forsting said. "I just tried to focus on playing as good as I can while also taking in every last moment I could with all of the guys and coach. We have a great program as well as a great group of guys, and I just wanted to make sure I had a full week of appreciating that before it's gone.

"It also helped having Kyle by my side the whole time and I couldn't have done what I did without him and coach."

Ribeiro carded a 79, finishing tied for 22nd, Schipper had a 78 to place in a tie for 28th and Ross an 80 to finish in a tie for 45th.

Forsting's finish is the highest by a Triton golfer at nationals, surpassing the 32nd by Matt Sturgill in 2014. The best finish for the team came that same year when they placed 14th overall.

"We've got a great young core of guys coming back next year. We've already got a goal for next year to bring back home some hardware and they'll use this experience this week in the future," Graewin said. "The recruiting class that's coming in is going to help push the current players and keep this program moving in the direction we have always wanted. 
 
"None of this would be possible without the support from Mr. Tom Beneke and athletic director Kevin Twait. Those two are our biggest fans and I couldn't thank them enough for their support this year."
 
Forsting was named to the all-tournament team and earned second team All-America honors while Ribeiro and Erickson were honorable mention All-Americans.

-By Dana Becker