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Meridian Community College

Strickland Earns Coach of the Year as Eagles Take Third, Advance to District

An MCC Eagles men's golf player crouches to read the green while an Eagles coach in a hoodie looks on during the 2026 Lou Hart Invitational.
An MCC Eagles men's golf player crouches to read the green while an Eagles coach in a hoodie looks on during the 2026 Lou Hart Invitational.
April 15, 2026

BROOKHAVEN, Miss. — The No. 7 Meridian Community College men's golf team turned in another strong performance at the MACCC Championship, finishing third overall and earning a spot in the upcoming Gulf South District Tournament.

The two-day championship, held Monday and Tuesday at The Club at Ole Brook, featured 12 conference teams competing for the title. The Eagles opened play with a solid round, shooting 3-over par to sit in third place after day one, trailing Mississippi Gulf Coast (-2) and Jones College (E).

Day two saw movement throughout the leaderboard, but the top three teams remained unchanged. Meridian shot 5-over in the final round to finish the tournament at 8-over par, securing third place. Gulf Coast captured the championship at 8-under, while Jones finished runner-up at 5-over.

Individually, Dax Reaux and Jace Duckworth led the way for the Eagles, each earning All-Tournament Team honors with top-five finishes. Reaux finished at 2-under, while Duckworth followed closely at 1-under.

Following the tournament, Meridian was well-represented in the MACCC postseason awards.

Head Coach Lance Strickland was named MACCC Coach of the Year, while Reaux earned First Team All-MACCC honors. Daniel Young and Duckworth were both named to the Second Team All-MACCC.

Strickland praised his team's efforts and the recognition earned throughout the season.

"This is a big moment for our program," Strickland said. "Our guys have worked hard all year, and it's great to see that effort recognized. This will only continue to help us grow and build moving forward."

MCC Individual Results – MACCC Championship (Par 70)

With the strong finish, the Eagles advance to the Gulf South District Tournament, set for April 27–29 at Castlewoods Country Club in Brandon, Miss., where a berth in the NJCAA Championships will be on the line.

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