de Villiers, Team Go Low at AIB Invitational

William Penn University Athletics

Marshalltown–The Statesmen golf team took a lot of positives from the last two days as it finished in the top half of the field at the AIB Invitational Friday and Saturday.

William Penn placed fifth out of ten teams with a two-day tally of 605 (315-290). Host AIB won the team crown with a 578 (292-286) and also had the overall medalist in Johnny Schwaller (four-under par, 67-69–136). Friday’s round was held at the par-70 Elmwood Country Club, while Saturday was contested at the par-70 American Legion Golf Course.

The 290 is not just a season low for the Statesmen, but is the lowest round since the team joined the NAIA in 2001-2002. The previous low was 292, accomplished this past March at the Statesmen Spring Classic.

Seb Stobart (Sr., Harare, Zimbabwe, Business Management) claimed runner-up honors for the second week in a row, shooting a two-over 142 (72-70).

Adriaan de Villiers (Sr., Akasia, South Africa, Industrial Technology) struggled a bit on Friday with a 77, but bounced back impressively to shoot a four-under 66. The tally is the lowest score for a Statesmen player since joining the NAIA and possibly the lowest in school history (record unavailable). His 66 was the lowest round on Saturday and moved him into third place overall.

Jordan Krulik (Sr., Chanhassen, Minn., Biology) was next, tying for 30th at 157 (80-77), while Byron Lindeque (So., Boksburg, South Africa, General Accounting) was 43rd at 163 (86-77). Ben Roberts (Fr., Albia, Iowa Industrial Technology) rounded out the varsity in a tie for 54th at 176 (95-81).

Kaden VanMaanen (Fr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Secondary Education), in 47th place at 169 (92-77), and Terence Schafer (Fr., Solwezi, Zambia), in a tie for 51st at 175 (92-83), competed as individuals for William Penn.

Next: The Statesmen stay on the road Sunday and Monday, traveling to Granger for the Grand View Classic.