Day 4 Recap:
Quebec City, Quebec - The CCAA Golf Nationals in Quebec concluded in spectacular fashion, bringing forth both individual achievements and team solidarity on the grand stage of collegiate golf.
Mason Gorski, who had shown moments of brilliance throughout the tournament, wrapped up his campaign with a final-round score of 78. He finished 18th in the individual standings.
On the men's side, the rest of the team displayed unwavering commitment. Blake Feth finished in 41st place, followed by Jack Heighington in 52nd place. Nate Kasowski secured the 53rd position, and Tanner Visser finished in 54th place. The men's team collectively maintained their 10th-place position in the overall team standings.
Switching gears to the women's division, Michaella Kibblewhite performed remarkably in the final round. Shooting an impressive 88 in the fourth round, Kibblewhite showcased her resilience and skill, concluding the tournament in the 16th place.
In recognition of his exemplary leadership and outstanding performance throughout the tournament, Mason Gorski was awarded the CCAA 2023 Exemplary Leadership Award. This honor reflects his dedication and impact on and off the golf course.
The CCAA Golf Nationals in Quebec provided an incredible platform for talented collegiate golfers to shine. With remarkable performances and a strong sense of teamwork, the event celebrated the sport's spirit and competitive excellence. Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work and dedication.
Day 3 Recap:
Quebec City, Quebec - The CCAA Golf Nationals in Quebec took an unexpected turn on day three, as the golfers continued to battle it out on the challenging course, with both triumphs and challenges unfolding.
Shooting a plus nine in the third round, Gorski dropped to 11th in the individual standings. Blake Feth made a remarkable leap in the rankings. Hitting a solid 77 in round three, Feth soared from the 45th spot to the 38th in the tournament, showcasing his resilience and skill on the greens.
The men's team, as a whole, continued to hold their ground, remaining in the 10th place position.
On the women's side, Michaella Kibblewhite showed her skill and determination in the third round. Shooting a 97 on the course, she's sitting in 16th place in the individual standings.
As the CCAA Golf Nationals in Quebec reach their climax, the standings continue to evolve, making the competition all the more exciting. Stay tuned for further updates.
Day 2 Recap:
Quebec City, Quebec - The excitement at the CCAA Golf Nationals in Quebec continued to build on day two as golf enthusiasts were treated to yet another day of thrilling competition and remarkable performances.
On the men's side, Mason Gorski's consistency proved to be the highlight of the day. Holding onto his third-place standing after round two, Gorski demonstrated his skill and determination by carding an even round, maintaining his impressive sub-3 score for the tournament. His steady play is a testament to his exceptional golfing abilities.
The men's team also held their ground, maintaining their tenth-place position amidst fierce competition from across the nation.
In the women's division, Michaella Kibblewhite jumped in the rankings. After shooting a 90 in round two, a notable improvement of four shots compared to her round one performance, Kibblewhite climbed to the fifteenth position in the individual standings.
As the CCAA Golf Nationals in Quebec continue, the stage is set for more gripping action and intense competition. Mason Gorski's strong run and Michaella Kibblewhite's resurgence promise an exhilarating finish to this prestigious golf tournament. Stay tuned for more updates.
Day 1 Recap:
Quebec City, Quebec - The highly anticipated CCAA Golf Nationals kicked off in Quebec with day one providing a thrilling showcase of talent and skill from collegiate golfers across the nation.
On the men's side, the NAIT Ooks men's team finds themselves in the tenth position after the conclusion of day one, registering a collective score of +32. However, a standout performance from Mason Gorski is giving the team reason to be optimistic. Gorski showcased his prowess on the greens, finishing the day at an impressive three under par. As a result, he currently shares the spotlight, tied for third place in the individual standings.
On the women's side, Michaella Kibblewhite is representing her team admirably, currently holding the 16th spot in the individual standings with a score of +22. As the tournament progresses, the men's and women's teams will be looking to climb the leaderboard and make their mark on the CCAA Golf Nationals.
Nationals Preview:
The stage is set once again, and the NAIT Ooks Golf Team finds themselves at the pinnacle of their season, on the grandest stage in Quebec. Tomorrow, October 17th, they tee off in their first round of the CCAA National Championship, and Head Coach Tyler Leicht's anticipation is palpable.
In a brief pre-tournament interview, the coach shares his insights on the road leading up to Nationals and the team's prospects. "We've had this bit of a gap between Championships and Nationals," Coach Leicht reflects. "It's been a nice stretch for us to re-group as a team. We've had the chance to recover from a condensed ACAC Season and utilize this time to practice and make a game plan for Nationals as a team."
The long journey from their Alberta roots to the province of Quebec is not just an athletic endeavor but also a unique bonding experience for the NAIT Ooks. Coach Leicht sees it as an opportunity for the team to grow together. "We do not have a lot of time in-season to bond and spend extra time together as a team," he notes. "So, the travel has provided us this. It's also an incredible chance to venture across the country and golf in Quebec, a first for all our team members. The golf course is in superb shape, and the fall colors have made this an unforgettable experience."
As the team steps onto the grand stage of CCAA Nationals, their national ranking is something that's on everyone's mind. Coach Leicht acknowledges the significance of this achievement. "Being Nationally ranked in the Top 10 Teams for the CCAA Golf Rankings in our first season is a nod to the tremendous work the student-athletes, Athletic Department, and coaching staff have done. However, we're not taking anything for granted and know we need to play well to compete with the best CCAA Golf Programs in the country."
One of the unique aspects of this competition is the combined ACAC Women's Team format, which NAIT Ook Michaella Kibblewhite is a part of heading into Nationals. Coach Leicht highlights the camaraderie it fosters. "The combined ACAC Women's Team format for CCAA Nationals is unique, allowing student-athletes to compete together rather than against each other. The camaraderie within the ACAC, among member institutions and their student-athletes, will undoubtedly pay dividends as our women's teams compete this week with a shared goal of success."
And as they embark on this historic journey, Coach Leicht has a final word to add about the team. "Heading into CCAA Nationals as a first-year program is a tremendous step for our team. We hope to grow and progress year after year, and this experience will only strengthen our program as we move forward and mature with each season."
The NAIT Ooks Golf Team readies themselves for a week of intense competition and the opportunity to leave their mark on the national stage. You can find all of the Nationals information here. Follow along on this story for daily updates, or follow the NAIT Ooks Golf Team on social media!