Freshman Wins Collegiate Debut to Pace Statesmen
William Penn University Athletics
Moravia–Frederik Lundsgaard (Fr., Jebjerg, Denmark, History/Government) broke onto the collegiate men’s golf scene in impressive fashion as he topped the field at the season-opening Midwest Collegiate Invitational hosted by William Penn Monday and Tuesday.
The Statesmen placed fourth out of nine teams with a two-day tally of 613 (300-313) at The Preserve Golf Course–a par-72 layout. Huntington (Ind.) held off the competition to win the team crown with a 606 (298-308).
Lundsgaard, though, was the man of the hour as he went into the red on both days. Not even slow play on Monday and two lightning delays on Tuesday could slow the freshman. Actually playing on WPU’s JV team, he finished at three-under 141 (71-70).
His 36-hole performance equals the best ever in modern play at William Penn, matching Seb Stobart, who also went 71-70 on April 9-10, 2010 at The Preserve. They are also the only players in modern time with two rounds under par in a single tourney.
“I am very happy for Frederik,” Head Coach Steve Tucker said. “He has been working extra hard the last week and it has paid off. He posted a very good score on a difficult course. It is unusual for a freshman to win his first college event, so what he did the last two days was really special.”
Brandon Dizon (So., San Leandro, Calif., Sociology) opened his sophomore campaign strong by pacing the varsity with a 149 (74-75) to tie for seventh (out of 49 players).
Gareth Sargent (Fr., Knysna, South Africa, Psychology) also had a great collegiate debut, tying for 12th at 152 (73-79), while Tyler Lallier (Sr., Algona, Iowa, Business Management) finished in the top 20 as well (16th, 76-77–153).
Charlie Hayes (So., Whitesboro, Texas, History/Government) (79-82) and Jeremy Swink (Sr., Burlington, Iowa, Physical Education) (77-84) rounded out the varsity scoring as they tied for 26th at 161.
William Penn’s JV squad was just two spots behind the top team, taking sixth at 626 (316-310). Headlined by Lundsgaard, fellow freshman Justin Bothma (Fr., Boksburg, South Africa, Business Management) was next for the group with a 158 (78-80) to finish 23rd.
Jeremy White (So., Baytown, Texas, Mechanical Engineering) matched two of his teammates in a tie for 26th (84-77), while Ben Roberts (Jr., Albia, Iowa, Industrial Technology) tied for 36th (83-83–166) and Kyle Hashimoto (So., Acampo, Calif., Undecided) placed 43rd (85-86–171).
Playing as an individual, Byron Lindeque (Sr., Boksburg, South Africa, General Accounting) was 22nd at 156 (80-76).
“We played this tournament without our top qualifier due to a delay with his eligibility, but despite that, we had a chance to win this one,” Tucker said. “We will sort through the large group of guys who have the ability to post solid scores and hope to have our top five guys together next week at Central Methodist. This team has loads of ability, so definitely keep an eye on them.”
Next Up: William Penn travels to Boonville, Mo. next Monday and Tuesday to compete in the Central Methodist Open at Hail Ridge GC.
