Hale, Hutchins lead Simpson on final weekend of IIAC Tourney

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Zach Hale and Andy Hutchins helped a young Simpson men's golf team shave 78 strokes in the final weekend of the Iowa Conference Championship, giving the Storm an eighth-place finish (1,348) at the four-round tournament which concluded Saturday at Finkbine Golf Course.

After opening the tournament shooting a 713 (366, 347) at Pella's Bos Landen Golf Course, Simpson came roaring back with a 635 (317, 318) at Finkbine.

"I was extremely proud of the kids for not laying down and giving up," head coach Jason Marvelli said. "We had a very poor first weekend and they easily could have done the math and saw that we were more than likely not going to be able to catch anyone. However, they worked hard all week and played much better on the second weekend."

Hale and Hutchins each finished tied for 21st after carding 331 throughout the tournament.

Hale followed a rough opening weekend with a 79 on Friday and a 1-over 73 on Saturday, the entire field's second-lowest round recorded on the final day. He improved 15 spots after beginning the weekend tied for 36th.

"Zach obviously has great ability," Marvelli said. "We have been working really hard on his mental game, and it appears to be paying off. He got off to a poor start on Saturday and was able to pull it together and fight back."

Hutchins posted Simpson's second-lowest round of the tournament with a 3-over 75 on Saturday, following Friday's 83.

"Andy played solid for us all year as a freshman," Marvelli said. "Obviously he was disappointed with his play on Friday, but he was able to put together a very solid round on Saturday."

Conner Juilfs had Simpson's best round on Friday, carding a 4-over 76. He closed the weekend with an 87, finishing tied for 35th at 345.

Matt Haley (79, 83, 354) and Joe Hupp (84, 91, 354) tied for 39th to round out the Storm's lineup.

Central (1,236) won the team title and Loras' Sam Hermann (82, 72, 74, 73, 301) won individual medalist honors.

Sporting a lineup of all underclassmen at the conference championship, Marvelli is excited for the team's future.

"With no seniors competing last weekend and a very good recruiting class coming in, the future is looking very good for Storm golf."