I’m proud of the way the guys battled in some pretty tough conditions. Mathis Fortin continues to show tremendous improvement from last year. He had the best performance at the preview, so I was happy for him and his overall confidence going into the spring.”

Coach Zach Smith

NEWTON, KANSAS – The Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) men’s golf team rounded out the fall portion of the 2024-2025 season at the NJCAA National Preview hosted by Hutchinson Community College in Newton, Kansas on October 24-25.

EWC placed 11th as a team with five athletes shooting a cumulative score of 90 strokes over par during the course of three rounds. The event featured teams from across the western United States and the Lancers advanced on the leaderboard ahead of Eastern Arizona College, New Mexico Military Institute, Otero Community College and Mesalands Community College.

“It was incredibly windy the first day, especially the 18 holes that we played,” coach Zach Smith said. “Overall, we did not have our best tournament. We have a few guys struggling right now, but right now is the time, if ever, to have some guys struggle as we go into a big tournament break. It will give the guys some time to work on things that need improvement and focus on getting caught up with their schoolwork.”

EWC sophomore Mathis Fortin led the Lancers at the national preview with a tie for 44th place and a three-day score of 238 strokes (22 over par). Fortin shot 83 in the first round and improved to 78 in the second and 77 in the third.

Fellow sophomore Joshua Chapman tied for 49th place, shooting 239 (+23) over three rounds. Chapman tallied 77 strokes in the first round, 83 in the second and 79 in the third.

Tytan Birchell, also a sophomore, tied for 52nd place with a total score of 241 strokes (+25). Birchell progressed from 82 in the first round to 81 and 79, respectively, in subsequent rounds.

Sophomore Taiki Sugawara finished in 61st place at 246 strokes (+30). Sugawara tallied 76 strokes in the first round, 81 in the second and 89 in the third.

Sophomore Braylon Bingham placed 74th on the leaderboard, shooting 265 strokes (+49) in three rounds. Bingham shot 87 in the first round, 99 in the second and 79 in the third.

“Even though the guys didn’t play their best, I’m proud of the way they battled in some pretty tough conditions,” coach Smith said. “Mathis Fortin continues to show tremendous improvement from last year. He had the best performance at the preview, so I was happy for him and his overall confidence going into the spring.”

Golfers receive a break for the winter and return to competition with a tournament hosted by Otero and Lamar community colleges from March 20-21.

“We are looking forward to working on things in the off season with both the men’s and women’s teams,” Smith added.