Graceland Men’s Golf Concludes Fall Season at Heart Fall Preview
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The Graceland University men's golf team wrapped up its fall campaign with a determined effort at the Heart Fall Preview, held at the prestigious Jack Nicklaus Golf Club at Lions Gate on October 21-22. Facing a competitive field of Heart of America Athletic Conference opponents, the Yellowjackets showcased consistency and resilience as they closed out their 2024 season.
Graceland's performance was highlighted by standout contributions from Noah Hughes and Jonathan Paramananthan. Hughes posted rounds of 74 and 75, finishing in a tie for 8th at +5. His steady play throughout the tournament placed him among the event's top finishers, narrowly missing a spot in the top five. Paramananthan added a strong showing of his own, finishing tied for 19th at +10 with scores of 76 and 78.
The Yellowjackets as a team demonstrated incremental improvement across the two days of play. The squad finished seventh overall, an indication of their potential within the highly competitive Heart of America Athletic Conference.
Head coach Kevin Brunner reflected on the team's fall performance and the areas for growth moving forward. "We've had some very strong stretches of golf this fall," Brunner said. "Noah and Jonathan both had great tournaments, and they've been key players for us. That said, we need to focus on limiting big numbers and converting them into bogeys. If we can take just a couple more strokes off each round as a team, we'll elevate ourselves to a highly competitive level."
Tournament Highlights
The Heart Fall Preview featured some of the best teams in the Heart, making for an intense and challenging competition. Graceland's top individual finishers were as follows:
- Noah Hughes: Tied 8th, +5 (74, 75)
- Jonathan Paramananthan: Tied 19th, +10 (76, 78)
- Saxen Hii: Finished 36th, +16 (79, 81)
- Griffin Haugh: Finished 44th, +25 (82, 83)
- Lennard Bliem: Finished 45th, +28 (83, 85)
The team's cumulative effort placed them in seventh position overall, reflecting both their strengths and the areas needing improvement as they head into the offseason.
Looking Ahead
Graceland University's men's golf team will now shift its focus to preparation for the spring season. With the roster being young and showing much promise, the Yellowjackets will aim to capitalize and grow from the lessons learned during the fall.
Coach Brunner expressed optimism about the team's future. "This team has a lot of potential. The guys have shown they can compete, and I'm excited to see how we progress heading into the spring. Every tournament gives us more experience and opportunities to refine our game."
Heart Fall Preview Results
Top Teams
- Team A – +2
- Team B – +8
- Team C – +12
- Graceland – +41
Graceland Individual Results
- Noah Hughes – Tied 8th, +5 (74, 75)
- Jonathan Paramananthan – Tied 19th, +10 (76, 78)
- Saxen Hii – 36th, +16 (79, 81)
- Griffin Haugh – 44th, +25 (82, 83)
- Lennard Bliem – 45th, +28 (83, 85)
A Season of Growth
The 2024 fall season provided Graceland men's golf with opportunities to build a competitive foundation. The Graceland men's golf program appreciates the continued support from its fans and the university community. As the team looks ahead to the spring, they remain committed to representing the Yellowjackets with pride and competitive spirit.
For more information on Graceland men's golf and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.