Hutchinson repeats as Bent Tree Intercollegiate Champions

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — The third-ranked Hutchinson Community College men's golf team successfully defended its title Tuesday, winning the Bent Tree Intercollegiate by 18 strokes with a wire-to-wire performance.

The Blue Dragons posted a final-round 293 at Bent Tree Golf Club to finish at 17-over-par 881, comfortably ahead of runner-up Iowa Western "A" Team at 899. Dodge City and Iowa Western "B" tied for third at 902.

Hutchinson entered Tuesday's final round with a commanding 13-stroke lead and never relinquished control of the tournament.

Blue Dragon sophomore Corey Scullion, competing as an individual, nearly captured the individual championship. After opening with a 76 Monday, Scullion fired consecutive rounds of 70 to finish second at even-par 216. He fell one stroke short of Luke Stratko of Omaha University, who shot 71 in the final round to claim the individual title at 1-under 215.

Scullion carded three birdies, one bogey and 14 pars in his final round.

Four Hutchinson golfers finished in the individual top 10. Freshman Grant Hatzenbuehler tied for fourth at 2-over 218 after shooting 73 in the final round, marking his second consecutive top-10 finish.

Freshman Ronnie Gibb tied for sixth at 3-over 219 following an even-par 72 on Tuesday. Sophomore Jack Northgraves shot 73 to tie for eighth at 4-over 220.

Freshman Joe Austin tied for 12th at 224 after a final-round 75, while freshman Hugo Duquaine finished 33rd at 233 following a 79.

Individual player Matt Vearncombe, a Hutchinson freshman, tied for 31st at 230 after shooting 76. Vearncombe recorded an eagle on the par-5 fourth hole.

The Blue Dragons will next compete at the Shocker Invitational Oct. 5-7 at Sand Creek Station in Newton.