Eagles Finish Runner-Up at Jim Redgate Invitational
MERIDIAN, Miss. – The Meridian Community College men's golf team turned in another strong performance this week, finishing second at the Jim Redgate Invitational, hosted by MCC at Briarwood Golf Club. The two-day event, held Oct. 6-7, served as MACCC Event #3 and featured 11 conference teams.
The Eagles teed off Monday morning at 11 a.m. and quickly found their rhythm on their home course. After round one, MCC stood in third place at 7-over-par as a team, trailing Jones College at 6-over and Mississippi Gulf Coast, who led the field at 10-under. Sophomore Dax Reaux and freshman Daniel Young led the way for the Eagles, both firing 3-under rounds to sit tied for second individually after day one.
Tuesday's final round began with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start, and the Eagles battled throughout the day to move up the leaderboard. MCC climbed into second place, finishing 11-over-par as a team to secure the runner-up position. Jones finished third at 14-over, while Gulf Coast claimed the team title at 9-under.
The tournament ended with a dramatic three-way playoff for medalist honors between Reaux, Jones College's Bastian Graf, and Gulf Coast's Paul Hoefer — all tied at 3-under. After several playoff attempts at the 18th hole, Hoefer edged out the competition to earn medalist honors for Gulf Coast.
Reaux earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team with his top-five finish, while Young placed inside the top 10 at 1-over for the tournament.
Head Coach Lance Strickland praised his team's consistency and fight.
"Our guys competed hard from start to finish," Strickland said. "Hosting at home always brings a little extra pressure, but they handled it well and gave themselves a chance to win. I'm proud of how they continue to perform week after week."
The Eagles have now finished second in two MACCC events and captured one title — the Northeast Invitational (MACCC Event #2) — earlier this fall. Meridian will next compete in the Derrall Foreman Invitational at Cleveland Country Club in Cleveland, Miss., a three-round event outside of MACCC play.
