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Dandy Debut: Nevada frosh Swearingen captures first-place finish in prep debut
Led by star freshman Owen Swearingen, the Nevada Tiger golf team opened its 2019 campaign Thursday with a strong showing at the Neosho Tournament.
Thursday’s season-opener was accentuated by Swearingen’s first-place individual finish. See second part of story for additional details.
Season preview
Nevada is set for its first season in the Big 8 Conference, having competed in the West Central Conference the previous four years. Nevada placed fifth at last year’s WCC tournament. Three-time state-qualifier, Bronson Smith, and fellow Nevada senior Carter Swearingen, netted All-WCC accolades last season.
Smith then went on to garner All-State accolades — placing 12th at the Class 3 state golf meet — held at Camdenton’s Old Kinderhook Golf Club. Smith fired an opening-round 75, and followed with a final-round 79, for a two-day total of 154. Carter Swearingen, also qualified for state, and placed 70th.
“Bronson returns with three key years of experience behind him, competing at the state level, which will only help him throughout the season,” said NHS golf coach Brian Leonard. Carter also returns with some state (tournament) experience. He will be another key golfer in the varsity lineup.”
Leonard’s squad welcomes in a number of new faces, including impact freshmen Owen Swearingen and Cordell Cox.
“Even though Owen is only a freshman, he has been competing in (high-level) junior golf tournaments for several years,” noted Leonard. “Owen will be a major addition to the Nevada Tiger golf program this season.
Added Leonard: “Cordell is new to competitive golf. He is very athletic, and learning the game quickly. Cordell will also be in (our) Top 5 this season. These two young golfers will continue to improve throughout the season.”
Nevada’s varsity lineup is rounded out by returning sophomore Pierson Dennison. New additions Leonard’s club include junior Ian Palmer, and sophomore Austin Parker.
“These two young men are brand new to the game of golf, and will continue to practice and learn the game throughout the season,” summed up the 15th-year head coach.
The Tigers, however, absorbed the key loss of departed 2018 senior, Jonathan Portwood. Portwood fired an 88 at last season’s Class 3 District 7 tournament at Mules National Golf Course in Warrensburg, finishing in the top 15 and advancing to the sectionals. Nevada will also be without Matt Thompson, who spent one season in Nevada’s golf program as a junior last year, and has elected not to return.
Leonard said consistently and focus are among the primary keys to a successful campaign on the links.
“Smart decision-making in regards to course management, and the utmost, highest mental sharpness will be the keys to our success,” he said. “(Those) are the main issues we need to work on throughout the season to improve, and advance through the post season.”
In addition to Smith and Swearingen advancing to state, other highlights of the 2018 season, included their fifth consecutive first-place finish at the Neosho Tournament. Nevada also collected a second-place finish at the Joplin Golf Foundation/Horton Smith Invitational, and third-place finish at the Joplin Invitational at Twin Hills Country Club.
Season-opener
Nevada’s streak of five in a row came to an end Thursday, as the Tigers did not have enough competitors for each portion of the competition, according to Leonard.
Owen Swearingen, however, had a varsity debut to remember. The freshman phenom carded a 1-over-par 72 en route to a first-place individual championship finish.
In addition, Nevada’s Carter Swearingen and Cox teamed up for a second-place finish in the scramble portion of the tournament — while Smith placed third in the individual competition.
“Every Nevada Tiger golfer who competed today brought home a medal,” noted Leonard.
Added Leonard: “We were short a golfer today due to (one team member) not having enough practices, and is ineligible until next week. But as you can see, even though we were not able to compete in the team competition, Nevada Tiger golfers had a fantastic outing today.”
The Tigers return to the links March 26, for a match with host Seneca High and Neosho, at Joplin’s Eagle Creek Golf Course. Tee times set for 3:45 p.m.
Nevada’s lone home meet of the season is slated for Thursday, April 25, as the Tigers welcome in Butler and Miller. Tee times are scheduled for 4.