Yellowjackets Place Eighth at Crestview Spring Invitational

ANDOVER, Kansas — The Graceland men's golf team recorded an eighth-place finish at the Crestview Spring Invitational, held at Crestview Country Club – North Course in Wichita, Kansas. The 54-hole stroke play event featured 12 teams competing on the 6,913-yard, par-72 layout, with the Yellowjackets posting a three-round total of 942 (317-304-321).

The Yellowjackets showed improvement in the second round, posting their lowest team score of the tournament with a 304, before finishing the final round at 321. The team competed against several NAIA programs, including Friends University, Bethany College, Southwestern (Kan.), Dakota Wesleyan, Midland, and Tabor.

Clayton Wichman led the Yellowjackets' lineup with a 54-hole total of 226 (+10), finishing in a tie for 20th place individually. Wichman opened the tournament with an even-par 72 in the first round, followed by a 75 in round two and a 79 in the final round. His first-round performance included steady fairway accuracy and consistent greens in regulation, helping anchor Graceland's scoring card early in the event.

Jonathan Paramananthan finished tied for 26th overall with a three-round total of 233 (+17). Paramananthan improved after the opening round, carding 75 in the second round before closing with a 79 in round three. His second-round score helped the Yellowjackets produce their best team total of the tournament.

Drew Jones recorded a 238 (+22) over three rounds to finish tied for 34th individually. Jones posted his best round of the event during round two with an even-par 72, highlighting the team's improved play during the middle round of the invitational.

Colton Dennis added a 246 (+30) for the tournament, finishing tied for 47th place. Dennis carded rounds of 84, 82, and 80, showing gradual improvement across the final two rounds as the Yellowjackets worked through the course's challenging layout.

Rounding out the Graceland lineup, Trevor Shelton finished tied for 58th with a three-round total of 256 (+40), posting rounds of 90, 83, and 83 during the event.

The team title at the Crestview Spring Invitational was captured by Friends University "A", which finished with a team score of 854 (-10) across the three rounds. Friends' Gabriele Romani earned individual medalist honors with a tournament total of 208 (-8).

Despite the challenging conditions and a competitive field, Graceland head coach Kevin Brunner noted that the tournament provided valuable experience for the Yellowjackets as they continue their spring schedule.

"We saw some positive stretches this week, especially during the second round when the guys executed better with their approach shots and short game," Brunner said. "Clayton led the way for us, and we had multiple players show they can put together strong rounds. The focus now is tightening up our scoring consistency and limiting big numbers as we move into the next event."

The tournament was contested using standard collegiate stroke play format, with the top four scores counting toward the team total each round. The Crestview North Course presented a challenging test with length off the tee and demanding approach shots into well-guarded greens, requiring precise course management and putting efficiency.

The Yellowjackets will now turn their attention to hosting their home tournament later this spring. Graceland is scheduled to host the Graceland Invitational on March 27–28 at Mozingo Lake Golf and Country Club in Maryville, Missouri. The event is set to begin with a 12 p.m. CDT shotgun start on Friday, followed by the final round Saturday at 9 a.m. CDT.

The home invitational will give the Yellowjackets an opportunity to compete on a familiar regional course as they continue preparing for postseason play.

For more information on Graceland men's golf and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.