Posted by Manistee News Advocate, April 16

HART — The weather finally broke Tuesday for the West Michigan D League to kick off the season at the Colonial Golf Course of Hart.

Brethren and Manistee Catholic Central tied atop the season’s first of five jamborees, each with a team score of 190. Host Pentwater followed with a 202, Onekama shot a 211, and Mason County Eastern was unable to post a score with just three players.

MCC’s Zack Bialik earned match medalist honors with a 2-over 38 while Onekama’s Derek Hobart shot a 39 and Brethren’s Bryson Waller a 41.

“The first group that went out, I thought those scores were excellent for the first time, with most teams only being on a course once or twice without even playing a full round,” said Bobcats coachTom Anderson, whose team’s score was rounded out by Colton Podbilski (45) Joe Riggs (48) and Cory Hilliard (56). “I think (tying for first) got us off on the right foot, and I was very pleased with our top-three players coming in with those scores.”

Following Bialik, Joe Nelson shot a 50 for the Sabers and two of three 51s from Gabe Toczynski, Jaime Sierra-Nielsen, and Nick Bialik rounded out the team score.

“I think all the coaches and players knew it would be a little bit out of the ordinary, obviously, with the very small amount of practice time we’ve all had,” MCC coach Pete Solwold said of poor weather so far this spring. “It’s uncomfortable getting some of the higher scores, but at least it’s understandable.

“We just had to take today as, finally, a good practice. It just happened to be a competitive practice.”

Hobart, who shot a 39, was followed by teammates Jack Coryell (55), Parker Sternberger (57), and Brandon Bohannon (60) to round out the Portagers’ score.

“Overall, we were happy especially since we haven’t had a chance to really get outside,” said first-year Onekama coach Tom McCraner. “For the first time with drivers and fairway woods, we’re happy.  With plenty of league play left, we hope to make a strong comeback.”