Kent State University
NCAA Regional
Flashes Close Out 2022 Campaign at Norman Regional
5/18/2022 7:06:00 PM | Men's Golf
NORMAN OKL.... The Kent State men's golf team concluded their 2021-22 campaign with an 11th place finish at this year's Norman regional, moving up on the final two days, but failing to overcome a rough opening round on Monday.
"I think ultimately our slow starts caught up with us at regionals," Flashes head coach Jon Mills said. "We seemed to struggle with that this spring and unfortunately at this level, you can't do that and expect to have a chance."
Josh Gilkison led the way on Wednesday, finishing strong with a 68 in the final round, the third best score in the entire field. Gilkison wrapped up the regional at the top of the team, carding a 221 to secure a tie for 34th.
The Kent State senior was joined by his younger brother Jordan Gilkison in the top-50, with Cade Breitenstine finishing just outside in a tie for 52nd.
At the top of the table, #1 Oklahoma regained and held onto the lead to advance to this year's NCAA Championships. The Sooners will be joined in Scottsdale by Auburn, Ole Miss, Texas and Utah who finished inside the top-5 to punch their tickets.
Despite this being the end of the line for the Flashes, this was still a phenomenal season for Kent State, who secured a sixth straight MAC championship and took home the titles of MAC Golfer of the Year (Chris Vandette), Freshman of the Year (Jordan Gilkison), and individual MAC Champion (Josh Gilkison).
"I'm really proud of our guys," Mills said. "They had their ups and downs but they always kept fighting and that resilience is what was so great about this team."
Kent State accomplished all of this with the help of four seniors in Josh Gilkison, Jared Wilson, Will Kurtz and Julien Paltrinieri who have played their final rounds for the blue and gold.
"It was a pleasure to be able to coach our four seniors," Mills said. "I look forward to seeing them succeed in whatever they choose to do whether that's golf or not. Even though they are done at Kent State, they are part of the Golden Flash family for life."
Final Results
1. #1 Oklahoma -26, 838
2. #18 Auburn -16, 848
3. #25 Ole Miss -15, 849
4. #7 Texas -12, 852
5. #50 Utah -4, 860
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6. #24 South Carolina +2, 866
7. #36 Louisville +7, 871
8. #48 San Diego State +9, 873
9. Kansas State +18, 882
10. #37 Missouri +21, 885
11. Kent State +24, 888
12. UT Martin +46, 910
13. Rider +52, 916
Final Individual Results
T34. Josh Gilkison +5, 221 (80-73-68)
T40. Jordan Gilkison +6, 222 (76-74-72)
T52. Cade Breitenstine +9, 225 (75-75-75)
T63. Bryce Reed +12, 228 (77-71-80)
67. Chris Vandette +14, 230 (79-78-73)
Players Mentioned
