Swinnerton, Salazar heading to nationals; Cote and Muleriders also advance

Alex Swinnerton and Guillermo Salazar are heading to the DII National Championship later this month. (iupathletics.com)
Clark Stork

Waskesiu Golf Course players Alex Swinerton and Guillermo Salazar and the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Crimson Hawks, and Regina’s Luke Cote are off to the NCAA Div. II National Golf Championship.

The team earned their way to the national championship in Warren. Oh. thanks to a third place finish at the NCAA DII Atlantic/East Super Regional Championship from May 11 to 13 in Lebanon, Penn. Competing at the Iron Valley Golf Club, the team was just eight shots off the overall pace as Davis & Elkins College won the championship with a score of 892.

Swinnerton tied for 18th in the tournament thanks to rounds of 78, 73, and 74. The Saskatoon product said reaching the national event has been the mindset all year for the team.

“Our goal at the start of the year was to be in the position we are now. It is a very nice feeling to accomplish that goal. We are all super pumped to see what we can do at the national level,” Swinnerton said.

Salazar tied for 78th after posting an opening day score of 84, but the Calgary product rebounded with back-to-back 77’s to finish at 225. The Calgary product said he’s excited for the team’s success and the chance at a national championship.

“This is a huge accomplishment for us and the program. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to go to nationals,” he added.

In Winona, Minn. on May 11 to 13 the NCAA Midwest/Central Regionals took place at The Bridges Golf Course. Regina’s Luke Cote and Southern Arkansas University (SAU) also punched their ticket to the national division II championship event! Cote finished in 103rd after rounds of 77, 83, and 78. The Muleriders tied for fifth, but won the right to head to the national championship in a playoff.

(Muleriderathletics.com)

Golf Saskatchewan will speak with Swinnerton, Salazar, and Cote after the event that runs from May 22 to 26.

Estevan’s Jace Carlisle was also in the field looking to return to the national event he played in last year while attending Post University. The TS&M Woodlawn staffer shot rounds of 78, 82, and 79 to place in a tie for 81st. Post as a team was 18.