LINCOLN – The Northeast Community College men’s golf team struggled in the first day of the Doane University Blue River Classic tournament held today at the Wilderness Ridge Golf Course in Lincoln.

Northeast’s B team closed the day ranked 12^th of 15 teams with a 53-over 337. The Hawks’ A team trails right behind, in a tie with York College for 13^th at 55-over 339. The scores were the highest shot this year by Northeast.

Southeast Community College leads the pack with a 13-over 297.

Zach Ward of Morningside College and Southeast’s Kean Kontor are tied for first, each firing a one-over 72. Northeast’s Tyler Lewis is currently tied for 19^th at six-over 77.

Coach Kurt Pytleski said the course played tough today, with gusty winds, high temperatures and aerated greens presenting a challenge. “As well as we have been playing lately, I was hoping we would shoot a little lower,” he said. “I know the guys were a little disappointed, but I told them there are going to be days like this on the golf course, and we have to learn from it and move on and play well tomorrow.”

Elsewhere for Northeast, Brooks Coleman and Hunter Schlueter both fired a 12-over 83. Brook Klinetobe notched a 13-over 84, Cody Steuter had 14-over 85, and Cameron Bancroft and Jason Palmer both finished with 16-over 87. Jamy McCoy, 17-over 88; Jacob Wright, 19-over 90; and Devon Halliwell, 31-over 102 round out the Hawks’ scores.

The Blue River Classic continues tomorrow at Lincoln’s Highlands Golf Course.