WPU Takes Runner-Up Position at Heart Championships

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Sunrise Beach, Mo.–The Statesmen men’s golf team came up just shy of defending its league crown as it competed at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships Monday through Wednesday.

William Penn placed second out of nine teams with a three-round score of 914 (314-303-297) at the par-72 The Club at Porto Cima. #17 Missouri Valley took the title at 901 (315-289-297) as its second day score served as the difference.

MVC’s Nicolas Evangelio and Hunter Bettis of Culver-Stockton tied at 218, forcing a playoff in which Evangelio won on the second hole to claim medalist honors.

Last year’s medalist, Zachary Chegwidden (Jr., Essex, England, Business Management) was unable to repeat, but was right in the mix as he took third at 224 (76-75-73).

Spencer Tucker (Fr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Business Management) was in the top five as well, tying for fifth at 227 (79-74-74). Juan Lugo (Fr., Lecheria, Venezuela) joined the duo in the top 10, tying for 10th at 231 (78-77-76).

Oliver Stanway (Jr., Leicester, England, Sports Management) ended up 19th at 234 (81-77-76), while Oscar Florez Martinez (So., Gignon, Spain, Business Management) placed 25th at 239 (82-83-74).

The tournament ends the career of Chegwidden, who graduates early.

“This was a great effort by our guys,” Head Coach Steve Tucker said. “Chegs finished his career with three amazing finishes at the league championships, being in the top three all three seasons and having a win. Spencer finishing in the top five was huge, while Oli and Juan both played some good golf this week. Oscar was a little off the first two days, but was solid today.”

“I am looking forward to next year with those four back, as well as what looks to be a strong recruiting class coming in,” Tucker added. “William Penn men’s golf is here to stay.”