BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Harding junior Dennis Staykov came one shot short of a trip to the NCAA National Championship on Saturday, falling in a sudden-death playoff after a valiant three-day performance at the NCAA Division II Central/Midwest Regional at Katke Golf Course.
Staykov, the Great American Conference Player of the Year, finished the tournament tied for fourth individually at 1-under par 215, his eighth top-five finish in 11 tournaments this season. Because the top four teams and the top two individuals not on those teams advance to the national finals, Staykov entered a playoff against Winona State's Peyton Coahran for the final individual berth.
After a wait of several hours following the conclusion of his round, Staykov returned to the 18th tee for the playoff. After finding the green with his tee shot, Staykov needed three puts for his par. Coahran sunk a birdie putt to claim the final spot in the national field. Cooper Scheck of Fort Hays State claimed the first individual berth, finishing at 2-under par.
As a team, the No. 20-ranked Bisons finished in 16th place with a three-day total of 32-over 896 (307-294-295). After a difficult opening round, Harding showed its pedigree by playing the final 36 holes at just 13-over par, though the initial deficit proved too large to overcome in a high-powered field.
Grand Valley State (+3), Missouri-St. Louis (+8), Central Missouri (+9), and Washburn (+15) earned the four team qualifying spots for the National Championship in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Bison Individual Highlights
Staykov was remarkably consistent in the final round, carding an even-par 72 that included 14 pars and two birdies. His T4 finish marks the highest regional finish for a Bison since the program joined the GAC.
Junior Jose Arzu capped off a strong week with a 1-over 73 on Saturday. Arzu finished the tournament tied for 21st at 3-over par 219.
Senior Jose Manuel Peralta ended his Harding career with his best round of the week, a 1-over 73, to climb into a tie for 50th place (+9). Austin Bibb (77) and William Pulley (80) also improved their scoring as the tournament progressed.
The regional concludes a historic season for the Bisons, which included a GAC Runner-Up finish, multiple tournament titles, and a school-record winning percentage.
NCAA Central/Midwest Regional - Final Results
Katke Golf Course (Par 72, 6,967 Yards)
Team Leaderboard (National Qualifiers)
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Grand Valley State: 286-287-294—867 (+3)
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Missouri-St. Louis: 293-295-284—872 (+8)
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Central Missouri: 294-280-299—873 (+9)
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Washburn: 295-288-296—879 (+15)
Harding Individual Scores T4. Dennis Staykov: 75-68-72—215 (-1)* T21. Jose Arzu: 74-72-73—219 (+3) T50. Jose Manuel Peralta: 78-74-73—225 (+9) T96. Austin Bibb: 81-80-77—238 (+22) 100. William Pulley: 80-83-80—243 (+27)
