Simpson opens spring season at own invitational

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson men's golf team started the spring season by hosting the annual Simpson Spring Invitational on Tuesday, placing 12th of 14 teams.

The Storm finished with a team score of 334 and were followed by a 336 by the Simpson "Gold" team.

Medalist honors went to Johnny Schwaller of AIB, who shot a 1-over 72 to best the field of 78 golfers. Led by 73s from Nathan Meisinger and Dominick Smith, Wartburg won the team title with a final tally of 299. Andy Fraser and Jared Thill each shot a 3-over 74 for Des Moines Area CC, leading the Bears to second place in the team race with 302.

Joe Hupp birdied the 11th hole and fired even par on eight others to lead Simpson with a 9-over 80, tied for 21st. Conner Juilfs shot even on 12 holes  but had two bogeys and four double-bogeys to finish at 10-over, tied for 25th.

Andy Hutchins tied for 48th (85), Matt Haley tied for 62nd (88) and Mike Rundle tied for 71st (93) to round out the varsity scores.

Marc Don Carlos birdied 16 and shot even on eight holes to lead the Gold team with an 82, tied for 28th overall. Zach Hale and Grant Northway tied for 41st (84), Tanner Birchmier tied for 51st (86), Jimmy Siebert took 70th and Mitch Bracker tied for 71st.

Simpson's next event is the Central Invitational on April 6-7 at Bos Landen Golf Resort in Pella, Iowa.