The 2020 Kalamazoo College men's golf season came to an abrupt and unexpected end on Friday, March 13 when the MIAA President's Council canceled the spring seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hornets did not get an opportunity to begin their spring season as their first match was scheduled to be contested on March 28-29.
Kalamazoo, however, finished third in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association during the fall season which automatically qualified it for the MIAA Spring Qualifying Tournament.
"We are fortunate in golf that we have a split season, with the majority of our MIAA season in the fall," expressed coach Mitch Wilson. "We had a great fall season and the team came together well. Although we are disappointed in not playing for an NCAA berth this spring, it pales in comparison with what we are all dealing with as a country and community."
During the fall, the Hornets were led by Jackson Jones as the junior averaged 73.5 overall in 11 tournaments and 73.6 in the team's MIAA competitions.
Sophomore Parker Pickell was close behind Jones as the sophomore posted a 73.8 scoring average throughout the season. Junior Zach Colburn was the third Hornet to earn a scoring average of less than 80 as he worked a 79.5 overall and a 79.3 in league play.
Kalamazoo had a pair of seniors on its roster this season in Mathew Holmes-Hackerd and Will Mierz. Holmes-Hackerd posted five sub-80 rounds during the year including a season-best 74 at the MIAA Jamboree hosted by Adrian at Lenawee. Mierz rounded out his Hornet career with four straight rounds below 80 as he tied his season-low of 75 on the final day of the MIAA Fall Final at Forest Akers.
"Our two seniors, Wil and Mat, played key roles in our success," added Wilson. "We wish them nothing but success as they leave K and start the next phases of their lives!"
The Hornets voted on their team awards following the season and selected Jones as the Most Outstanding Player. Mierz took home the Most Improved Player award while Pickell earned the Bound Back Award for making the most birdies after a bogey or worse.