Golf season in review: Coyotes return to national Top 20

The return of Weatherford College men's golf was a successful one. 

The season, their first in over two decades, concluded with a 17th-place finish at the NJCAA Division I Tournament in Odessa. It was their first national tournament berth since 1997. 

"I believe we all learned a lot and got better," said coach Jesse Speirs. "We were able to keep building on top of our progress every week, every month, and every event and we peaked at regionals." 

At the regional tournament, the Coyotes shot 10 under part in the final round to get into a playoff and defeat Western Texas College. 

"Leading up to nationals was the best I had seen the guys look. We need to keep learning and not flatline like we did the first two days at nationals," Speirs said. "As disappointing as our finish was, the guys will be able to use that experience for this next year." 

In the fall, the Coyotes' highlight was a runner-up finish at the University of Houston Fall Classic, led by Bryce McCracken's first-place individual showing with three rounds in the 60s (69-67-68). They also finished eighth at the Bosque River Classic in Waco and seventh at the High Country Shootout in Ruidoso, New Mexico. 

The spring brought a tie for first at the Shawnee Shootout in Oklahoma as Gatlin Goad won individually, Logan Moore was fourth and Chris Choi was seventh. There was also a third-place finish in the Las Vegas Shootout, with Samuel Benson taking the individual title. 

"We had our ups and downs last year, but more ups," Speirs said. "What they did is pretty impressive and I think they know they can do a lot more. They all are motivated and believe in themselves more which is very important." 

All of the players are returning next year, something that brings a big smile to Speirs' face. He is also pleased that they will be working on their games this summer and playing in events. 

"We are adding Charlie Townsend from England and Kutter Wilson from Brock," Speirs said. "I am very excited that they have signed with us, I believe they will be great players and teammates. 

"Some of the guys had offers from other schools. Everyone wanted to come back for their second year at WC, which I think says a lot for the school and the atmosphere on the team. After next year if they do what they're capable of, there's no doubt in my mind they will move on to the next level." 

Coyote golf statistics for 2021-22 

Team top finishes 

• Tied for first in Shawnee Shootout 
• Second in University of Houston Fall Classic 
• Third in Las Vegas Shootout 
• Sixth in Southwest Championship at Squaw Creek Golf Club 
• Fourth in Region 5 Tournament in Brownwood 
• 17th at NJCAA Division I Tournament in Odessa 
• Scoring average: 298.52 (22nd in nation, seventh in Region 5) 
• Low round: 278 

Individual statistics (all freshmen) 

• Samuel Benson – average: 75.33, low round: 70, best finish: First 
• Chris Choi – average: 74.43, low round: 66, best finish: T-7 
• Gatlin Goad – average: 74.85, low round: 68, best finish: First 
• Alexander Leuschner – average: 77.64, low round: 70, best finish: T-38 
• Bryce McCracken – average: 77.38, low round: 67, best finish: First 
• Bradley Missel – average: 77.40, low round: 67, best finish: T-15 
• Logan Moore – average: 75.17, low round: 66, best finish: T-4 
• Jakeb Rainos – average: 81.67, low round: 79, best finish: T-88 
• Carlton Reames – average: 76.67, low round: 74, best finish: T-34