UCO takes lead, RSU, NSU in pursuit in Fort Hays State Tiger Classic
HAYS, Kan. (Oct. 18) – Kyle Hickey and Caleb Kimmel had a pair of steady rounds to lead Central Oklahoma and put the Bronchos in the lead after first-day play in the Fort Hays State University Tiger Classic Monday.
Rogers State was third and Northeastern State in fourth after the first day.
Hickey shot 71-73 and Kimmel had back-to-back 72s as UCO posted scores of 289-293 for an 582 total after two trips around the 6,105-yard, par-70 Smoky Hills Country Club.
That gave UCO a one-stroke lead over Central Missouri in the 15-team tournament. Rogers State (586) is third and Northeastern State (594) fourth heading into Tuesday’s final round. It’s the last of five fall tournaments for the Bronchos, who are looking for their second straight win.
“We were a little up-and-down, but ended up having a really good day,” head coach Derrick Thompson said. “We put ourselves in a good position and need to finish strong.”
Hickey and Kimmel are tied for fourth in the individual standings with their 144 totals, just two shots off the lead. Evan Griffith shot 78-70 , while Bennett Baldwin shot 74-78 and Liam Coughlin shot 72-81.
For Rogers State, Gonzalo Chaves was in a tie for second place after shooting rounds of 72-71 for a 3-over 143 (+3). He had seven birdies on the day.
Aidan Gavey and Luke Palmowski were next in a five-way tie for eighth at 147. Daniel Robles finished in a five-way tie for 37th with a 154 (+14). Ty Nicar rounded out the squad in a group of seven tied at 42nd after turning in a card of 155 (+15).
For NSU, Gabe Replogle was the individual leader after rounds of 70-72. Ryan Morant’s 147 (73-74) helped push NSU upward, with Morant leaving the course tied for eighth place. Dominic Stevens carded a 150 (77-73) is tied for 22nd place, Brett Wilcoxen turned in a 155 (80-75) and is tied for 42nd. Carlos Gomez shot 160 (84-76) and is tied for 65th place.