RSCC – PLYMOUTH, Ind. — Roane State men’s golf competed on the national stage for the first time in the 2025 season, finishing seventh overall at the NJCAA Division II National Preview. The three-day event, hosted at Swan Lake Golf Resort, featured some of the nation’s top Division II programs.

The Raiders posted team scores of 293, 297, and 290 across the tournament for a total of 880. Head coach Chris Griffin said the event served as both a measuring stick and a valuable learning opportunity ahead of the NJCAA National Championship, which will be played on the same course in May.

“This was the first time that the men’s golf team played in the national preview,” Griffin said. “We had enough horsepower this year to go out and compete with 14 of the top teams in Division II. It wasn’t our best tournament, but the goal was to get the guys on the course where the national tournament will be played and see how we stacked up.”

Three Raiders highlighted the effort by tying for 22nd place individually. Tripp Hall, Lennon Hill, and Andersen House delivered steady rounds across the week, with Hall and Hill pacing the team early and House closing strong in the final round.

Sophomore Collin Keino also turned in a consistent showing, while teammates Reggie Phelps and Jackson Hawkins rounded out the lineup and contributed key scores that kept the Raiders within striking distance of a top-five finish.

“In golf, the venue changes every week,” Griffin explained. “It’s a key factor to have seen the course you’re about to play, especially at the national level. For our freshmen, getting those first looks at Swan Lake was huge. It’s only going to help them when May comes around.”

Roane State entered the week eager to test itself against elite competition after a strong offseason. The Raiders showed flashes of their potential, including a two-over team round of 290 on the final day that tied for the second-best score in the field.

Griffin said the tournament also revealed areas of improvement as the Raiders prepare for their next test.

“We’ll travel to Union Grove, Alabama, for another JUCO-only tournament,” Griffin added. “The guys are already eager to get back to work. We identified some weaknesses in scoring at Plymouth, and now they’re dedicating the next couple of weeks to fixing those issues.”

For Griffin, who has coached multiple All-Americans during his tenure, the trip carried additional significance.

“We’ve had talented individuals before, but we’ve never taken a complete team to the preview,” he said. “It was worth it to get them up there together, compete, and learn what it takes. That’s going to pay dividends down the road.”

The Raiders will resume their fall slate later this month in Alabama before closing with regional competition. With the preview under their belts, Griffin believes his squad is better positioned than ever to chase program history in the spring.

“I think this team has the talent and drive to make a run,” he said. “Getting that first look at nationals was a big step, and now it’s about continuing to put in the work.”