By Andrew Hartley(andrewhart1ey) – Spear Reporter
Caleb Shetler using an iron to tee off into the sun. | Photo Courtesy of SJSU Athletics
It’s now ten seasons the Spartans have been in the Mountain West conference and the SJSU men’s golf team’s upward trajectory continues.
Head Coach John Kennaday’s program finished in sixth at the MW championship this year. Taking place in Tucson, Arizona from April 28-30. This is the Spartans highest finish since joining the conference.
And they did it all shooting 22-under-par, their lowest score of the season.
“Very proud of(the team’s) work ethic and the work that they did this year, it’s beautiful to see,” said Kennaday.
Par 5s were the Spartans’ friends this weekend shooting 33-under on those holes. Caleb Shetler finished second in the tournament on those holes shooting 12-under.
Kristopher Stiles tied for 10th overall and led the Spartans shooting nine-under. He shot the third best on par 3 holes and had the third most birdies in the field.
And the great performances weren’t finished.
On Friday, Zubair Firdaus had his best round of the year when it mattered most, shooting a 66. The team only shot over par in three of their 15 rounds.
While it’s not the finish the team desired, they continue to move in an upward trajectory.
Shetler will return with another year of eligibility remaining and three other players will return.
Unfortunately, this was the final time on the green Kotaro Murata in a Spartan uniform. “He was everything you could ever want in a Spartan,” said Coach Kennaday.
The NCAA Regional Selection show will take place May 3 where the Spartans hope their season will continue. Regardless of potential postseason play, SJSU men’s golf finished the year with their best tournament of the season.
