Coyotes take first place in Victoria

The Weatherford College men's golf team dominated the Claud Jacobs Invitational in Victoria, claiming the team title by 24 strokes and securing four of the top five individual finishes.

The Coyotes posted a 14-under-par team score during Monday and Tuesday's rounds at Victoria Country Club. Thirteen teams from two-year and four-year institutions competed in the event. Weatherford is ranked No. 7 in NJCAA Division I.

WC's Michael Mayer earned the individual championship at 8-under par. After opening with a 1-under first round, he surged ahead with a 7-under second round that included an eagle on the first hole and five birdies on the back nine. Mayer shot even par in the final round to win by six strokes.

Dawson Langan finished second at 2 under (70-76-68). Two more Coyotes closed out the top five: Youssef El Hali placed fourth (66-72-78) and Tanaka Chatora finished fifth (73-73-71).

"I'm really proud of this group and the positive mindset they have adapted toward competition," head coach Dave Rennhack said. "We have a roster full of talent and many who are capable of winning against the best teams in the country. Everyone stepped up this week and contributed to our first win against some great competition."

The Coyotes seized control early with an 8-under opening round, then followed with back-to-back 3-under rounds to pull away. Texas Wesleyan University took second at 10 over par, and host Texas A&M–Victoria finished third at 17 over.

"The course had some heavy rains just days before the tournament," Rennhack said. "Winter golf doesn't always present the best conditions, and many players can take on a negative attitude. I didn't hear any complaints. They embraced the conditions and were grateful for the opportunity."

For full results, visit scoreboard.clippd.com/tournaments/242345/scoring/team.