The Salukis traveled to the Oakwood Country Club in Coal Valley, Illinois for the MVC Championship from April 23-25. But they couldn’t repeat a championship victory as they came in fifth place out of ten other competing schools. Illinois State won the tournament, carding the lowest score each day to win the championship comfortably.

The first day began Sunday morning and the Dawgs set themselves up nicely for the rest of the event, sitting in 4th place at the end of round 1 with a score of 287. Braden Hoisington and Markus Wilhelmsen put in a strong showing, both golfing 69 (-2) tying for fourth in the field.

Tom Cleaton shot himself into a tie for 28th place with a score of 74 (+3) on the day. Hugo Archer was close behind Cleaton as he ended the day in 32nd with a 75 (+4) score. Justin Wingerter tied for 41st as he shot 75 (+5).

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Day 2 was similar to Southern as they shot 285 which moved them down to sixth overall in the tournament. Hoisington led the way again, but this time Archer matched him as they both turned in scores of 70 (-1). Hoisington remained in fourth place overall for individuals as he tied with four other golfers while Archer moved up to 24th with his improved performance.

Cleaton turned in a 72 (+1) placing him in 25th right behind Archer. Wingerter was close behind on the day as he shot 73(+2) but didn’t move much overall, then at a tie for 40th. Wilhelmsen carded a 75(+4) and checked in at 22nd at the end of the second round.

The final day was the worst scoring day for the Dawgs of the Championship, as they shot 290. Hoisington shot 70 (-1) for the second consecutive day, earning fifth overall for individuals resulting in the sophomore being selected to the All-Conference Team. He carded 10 birdies and 39 pars during the tournament for a total score of 209(-4).

Wilhelmsen narrowly made the top-15 as he tied for 14th after shooting 71 on the third day for a total score of 215 (+2). Cleaton and Archer tied for 30th as they turned in three-round scores of 215 (+2). Cleaton had the fifth most pars in the event while Archer collected 7 birdies during the tournament, which ranked 3rd on the team. Wingerter remained in 40th to close out for the Salukis, shooting a 74 (+3) and finished with a tournament total of 223 (+11).

Sports reporter Howard Woodard can be reached at [email protected]

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