Bearcats Lead Fall Classic with Jones in 1st and Sheldon Tied for 4th

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

BANKS, Ore. -- The Willamette University men's golf team was in first place with a score of 2-under-par 282 after the first round of the Northwest Conference Fall Classic at Quail Valley Golf Course on Saturday, Oct. 14. Three Bearcats posted individual scores under par, led by Trent Jones (Jr., Kenmore, WA/Shorecrest HS) in first place with a 5-under 66. Kenneth Sheldon (Jr., Ocean Park, WA/Ilwaco HS) was tied for fourth place with a 2-under 69, while Ben Graham (Fr., Renton, WA/Liberty HS) was tied for sixth place with a 1-under 70.

Willamette held a six-stroke advantage in the team standings. Whitworth University was second at 288 and Pacific Lutheran University was third at 290. George Fox University was fourth with a score of 291. The tournament will conclude with the final 18 holes on Sunday, Oct. 15.

"It was a really good start," said Willamette Head Coach Patrick Daugherty. "There was some fog this morning to battle through, but the guys cam out firing. Trent was really solid, and I really liked Kenneth's game. He had 14 pars, one bogey, and three birdies. It was great to see Ben Graham go under par. He's been really close a few times this fall, and that was really big for us today.

An extended story will be posted later.