Panthers defend SEC boys golf title

FAIRFIELD — One year after winning the Southeast Conference boys golf title in 2019, Mt. Pleasant had to watch the spring season come and go without any golf. One year after that, the Panthers are right back on top of the SEC.

Mt. Pleasant was able to outlast its conference foes to defend the SEC boys golf title with a final stroke total of 326. Second-place Washington finished close behind, at 333. Fairfield was third, at 339.

Mt. Pleasant was accompanied by a familiar face as the Panthers took their shot at Fairfield Golf and Country Club. Former state qualifier Jake Moffett, who would have been a senior on last year’s team, made the trip to watch his old squad.

“It definitely feels good, especially because Jake was able to come watch and sort of be a part of it,” said Brevin Wilson, the Panthers’ lone senior. “It shows that we're still on top.”

Wilson’s sophomore teammate, Nick Matheny, outshot him by one stroke to take the individual title. In his first-ever conference tournament, Matheny took the top spot with a 74.

“I'm just on top of my game right now,” Matheny said. “I'm very good off the tee, and my 50 to 60 yards and in, I've been within five feet every time.”

Wilson’s 75 was good enough for second-place by two-strokes. Reece Kemkper shot 85 and won a four-man playoff to claim the sixth-place medal.

Reece Coffman shot 92 to round out the Mt. Pleasant scorers. Ian Hake finished at 95, and Nate Dismang ended the tournament at 102.

Washington had two All-Conference performers, including two in the top three. Freshman Roman Roth led the way for Washington with a 77 for third. Isaac Vetter finished fourth, at 82. Grant Sobaski tied with Kempker and two others for sixth, at 85.

Teague Meyer was Washington’s fourth scorer at 89. John Prochaska shot 90, and Luke Beenblossom ended at 98.

Fairfield had three All-Conference players. Jeremy Crile was the top Trojan, shooting 83 to finish fifth place. Sam Weaton and Brad Smithburg both tied for sixth, with 85. Evan Haines shot 86. Dave Eisner finished at 87, and Nate Smithburg shot 103.

Fairfield’s usual No. 1 golfer, Max Weaton, had to sit out the tournament due to an injury.

All nine All-SEC golfers were from either Mt. Pleasant, Washington or Fairfield. Due to being a Class 4A school and playing fall golf, Burlington did not compete in the conference tournament.

TEAM SCORES: 1. Mt. Pleasant 326; 2. Washington 333; 3. Fairfield 339; 4. Keokuk 364; 5. Fort Madison 401.

ALL-SEC: 1. Nick Matheny (Mt. Pleasant) 74; 2. Brevin Wilson (Mt. Pleasant) 75; 3. Roman Roth (Washington) 77; 4. Isaac Vetter (Washington) 82; 5. Jeremy Crile (Fairfield) 83; T-6. Reece Kemkper (Mt. Pleasant) 85; T-6. Sam Weaton (Fairfield) 85; T-6. Brad Smithburg (Fairfield) 85; T-6. Grant Sobaski (Washington) 85.