Dalton State golf programs rack up All-American honors

Published 9:00 am Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Eight Dalton State College golfers have been decorated as an All-American since the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season. Five men and three women have graced a national office or coaches association list following outstanding seasons from both squads.

Sydney Hermann, Sara Burger and Mailey Buzzell represent the women’s side, while Steve Kibare, Trevor Bassett, Jack Whaley, Brock Hoover and Jarod Edwards serve the men’s side.

Hermann made the first team for the NAIA and the Women’s Golf Coaches Association. The Ponca City, Oklahoma, Native finished as the No. 8 golfer individually in the country with a scoring average of 73 to go along with 3 victories.

Burger was No. 39 nationally with two top-five finishes and four top 10 finishes in her first season in the lineup. She also compiled a 75.6 scoring average. Buzzell battled injury through the season but shined on the course with a 76.1 scoring average and ranked one spot ahead of Burger in 38th. In nine events, Buzzell notched a pair of top fives and five top 10 finishes. Both Burger and Buzzell garnered third team selections by the NAIA.

Three members of Dalton State College’s national championship winning team made the first team list for the NAIA with Jack Whaley, Steve Kibare and Brock Hoover representing DSC. Whaley finished as the No. 2 golfer in the country on the back of two wins, six top fives, and eight top 10 finishes. He also made the Golf Coaches Association of America first team.

Kibare and Hoover solidified their NAIA selections with strong finishes in the conference and national tournaments. Hoover had a 71.4 scoring average and repeated as the Southern States Athletic Conference Individual Medalist. Kibare had four top fives and eight top 10 finishes with only two finishes outside the top 20 all season. Hoover (16th) and Kibare (17th) also finished in the top 20 nationally and placed on the GCAA 2nd team.

The McDonough duo of Jarod Edwards and Trevor Bassett were on the second and third team list for the NAIA. Edwards closed his career out strong with one win, two top fives, and four top 10 finishes. He slotted in at No. 26 in the country with a 71.8 scoring average. He joined Kibare and Hoover on the GCAA second team. Bassett’s heroics on the back nine of the national tournament allowed the Roadrunner to hold off Texas Wesleyan for the national title. He ranked No. 51 nationally with a 72.5 scoring average along with a pair each of top fives and top-10 finishes.

Submitted by Dalton State College.