May 17, 2007
2007-08 Women's Golf Signing Class Announced
MARYVILLE -- Northwest Missouri State head women's golf coach Pat McLaughlin has announced the first signing class for the 2007-08 season. McLaughlin, who was hired May 23, 2006, will oversee the first ever women's golf program which was approved as an intercollegiate sport at Northwest on April 28, 2006.
The signing class consists of Sydney Askin (Parkville, Mo.), Lauren Atkinson (Parkville, Mo.), Hanna Bowlin (Raytown, Mo.), Jessica Feuerbach (Iowa City, Iowa), Sarah Hayes (Maryville, Mo.), and Erin Luchtel (Grain Valley, Mo.). McLaughlin has plans to sign several others before the fall season begins.
"Overall, I am very pleased with the caliber of players I have coming to play on our first-ever women's varsity golf team," said McLaughlin. "I intend to build on their high school accomplishments and make us a competitive Division II golf program beginning this fall. It is very exciting and I look forward to getting started."
Askin and Atkinson both played their high school golf at Park Hill South. They were All-Suburban Mid-Six Conference First Team picks as well as state qualifiers.
"These two young women have shown marked improvement each year in high school and I am looking forward to having these former teammates join forces once again as Bearcat golfers," said McLaughlin.
Bowlin was a performer on the links at Raytown South High School. She was mentioned on the all-district and All-Suburban Mid-Six Conference teams and a state qualifier.
"Hanna was the first lady golfer to ever qualify for the women's state golf tournament from Raytown South," said McLaughlin. "In this year's state tournament, she shot a solid 85 her second day."
Feuerbach is currently in her fourth year on the women's golf team at Regina (Iowa) High School, since Iowa golf is in the spring. She has placed on the all-region, all-district and all-Eastern Iowa Hawkeye Conference teams as well as advanced to the state meet.
"Jessica is a great addition to our Bearcat golf team," said McLaughlin. "As a junior, she was an all-everything, placed 16th in the state tournament and first place in the Iowa City Women's Amateur Tournament. She currently is ranked as the top player in her division among all state golfers."
A local product at Maryville High School, Hayes was a four-year letterwinner for the Spoofhounds. She was First Team All-Midland Empire Conference and tabbed on the all-district first team. Her efforts earned her state competition.
"I am pleased to announce the signing of a local Spoofhound," said McLaughlin. "Sarah was their team captain and shot an 85 at the MEC conference tournament."
Luchtel finished her prep career at Lee's Summit North High School. She was All-Suburban Big Seven Conference as well as all-district. She advanced to state competition and was named to the Kansas City First Team for Area Golfers.
"Erin has shown very consistent play as a high school golfer and is very dedicated to improving her game," said McLaughlin. "She will certainly be an asset to our team."
Northwest is the fourth team in the MIAA to field a women's golf team -- Missouri Western, Truman State and Fort Hays State are the others. Since there four teams, a conference tournament will be held. Once there are six teams to sponsor women's golf, the programs are eligible for NCAA postseason play.
Northwest is scheduled to kick off its inaugural season by hosting the Bearcat Invitational on Sept. 15 at Mozingo Lake Golf Course.
2007-08 Women's Golf Signing Class (as of May 17)
* Sydney Askin - Parkville, Mo.
* Lauren Atkinson - Parkville, Mo.
* Hanna Bowlin - Raytown, Mo.
* Jessica Feuerbach - Iowa City, Iowa
* Sarah Hayes - Maryville, Mo.
* Erin Luchtel - Grain Valley, Mo.
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