By By Fredie Carmichael/Special to the Star
April 26, 2001
HATTIESBURG The Meridian Community College golf team claimed its third Region 23 title in four years on Wednesday, cruising to 34-stroke victory at Pine Belt National.
MCC posted a final round 301 to go along with Tuesday's 310 giving them a two-day total of 611, 34-shots better than Mississippi Gulf Coast (320-325- 645).
Eagle ace Dan Luke solidified himself as Region 23's best golfer for the second year in a row as he soared to a final round even par, 72.
No. 8 proved to be beneficial to several players as MCC's Morgan Stewart and East Mississippi Community College's Matt King also birdied the 415 yard par-4.
All three players said that was the turning point of their respective rounds.
Three Eagle linksters finished on the All-Region team as Luke (74-72-146), Stewart (76-75-151), and Brandon Laird (79-76-155) all received the honor.
EMCC's Matt King (76-75-151) also made the All-Region team and qualified for a spot in the NJCAA tournament at College Station in June. King also garnered the MACJC Player-of-the-Year award.
East Central Community College's Jeremy Stevens who prepped at Newton County High School with Luke will also make the trip to Texas. Stevens grabbed a spot by finishing as one of the top five individuals in Division III schools. Stevens posted a two-day total of 162.
MCC golf coach Lou Hart credits the hard work of her young team which consist of three freshman for this year's success.
Jamie Sullivan rounded out the Eagles 301 team total with a 78 while Cameron Hunt added an 80.