Rodehorst captures first at Blue River Invite

SEWARD, Neb. – Sophomore Shawn Rodehorst overcame a two-stroke deficit after Friday’s first round and held off Doane’s Ryan Harris by a single stroke on Saturday to claim medalist honors at the Blue River Invite. In doing so, Rodehorst became the first Bulldog ever to win at the annual Blue River tournament.

“That was very exciting to see,” Concordia head coach Brett Muller said. “He took over the individual lead in the front nine while playing with Ryan Harris. Then he birdied on 2 and 3 on the back nine before hitting a rough stretch on 4, 5 and 6. He ended up shooting a 73.”

Rodehorst’s 73 (par 70) came on the heels of a 71 at College Heights Country Club on Friday. However, the Kearney, Neb., native had to come through with par on 18 as Rodehorst and Harris entered the final hole knotted at two-over-par for the tournament. Rodehorst’s two day 71-73–144 broke a Concordia school record for the lowest two-round score at a single tournament.

As a team, the Bulldog “A” grouping finished second with its 324-317–641, 24 strokes behind Doane (313-304–621). Saturday’s team total of 317 set a new season best total for Muller’s Bulldogs.

“We were a lot more consistent throughout the lineup today,” Muller said. “We were able to get everyone much closer to 80, which was good to see. We want to be able to stay in that 315 to 320 range.”

The home course advantage also played a role in Concordia’s exceptional performances on Saturday.

“Any time a team plays on its home course it’s typically a few shot advantage in the team score,” Muller said. “Just knowing the course that much better is a big advantage.”

Freshman Sam Simonson also medaled for Concordia with his two day 83-79–162, allowing him to take ninth place. Sam DeFreeece (82-84–166), Brock Colclasure (90-81–171) and Sam Mayhall (88-84–172) rounded out the “A” team for the Bulldogs.

Concordia’s “B” team was led by Andy Nevius’ 93-82–175. As a team, the Bulldogs’ second grouping shot a 377-347–724, as they chopped an impressive 30 strokes off their total from Friday.

Rodehorst has taken his game to another level after averaging a 77.25 through eight rounds of golf in the fall. His average over the first four rounds this spring is 72.25, a full five-stroke improvement per 18 holes.

Rodehorst and the Bulldogs will be back on the course April 18-19 for the Raider Classic in Columbus, Neb. The final event of the season takes place April 25 with GPAC Qualifier No. 4.