T-Bird (M-Golf) Starts Fall Season In Andrews
The NMJC men's golf team begins the 2025 fall season at the Andrews Collegiate Am Saturday, Sept. 6 at 12:15 p.m. CDT in Andrews, Texas.
The 2025 fall squad features four sophomore returners, four freshmen, and one sophomore transfer.
NMJC will send out six T-Birds in the first tournament of the year. Sophomore Oliver Ruutu headlines the group in the No. 1 spot followed by freshman Tristan Kolasinski, freshman Severi Varis, freshman Riley Apodaca, sophomore Nick Friedrichsen, and sophomore individual Alfie Mellor.
Rounding out the team is sophomore transfer Zachary Ewing, freshman Samu Kyntola, and sophomore returner Jan Porchet.
"This year's class as a whole has been really solid to this point," NMJC men's golf head coach Gil Williams said. "Practice/qualifying has been tightly contested so far, and I am excited about our depth."
NMJC brings back two T-Birds, Oliver Ruutu and Nick Friedrichsen, that went to Newton, Kan., and placed fifth at the 2024 NJCAA DI Men's National Championship. NMJC has not finished outside the top 5 in the nation since 2018.
"Our consistent high finishes at nationals speaks to the opportunities afforded by NMJC," Coach Williams said. We have great facilities and support throughout campus. Having that level of support makes a coach's job a lot easier to do."
Ruutu ended his freshman season with the T-Birds as the No. 27 junior college golfer accomplishing one win and five top-20 finishes in 12 events during 2024. Friedrichsen finished last season ranked the No. 62 golfer in junior college with three top-20 finishes in 10 events.
"The experience of playing at this level and just how good the competition will be huge for them," Williams said. "Being able to pass those expectations along to the new guys will be great for their development as well."
The Thunderbirds will tee off just after 12 p.m. CDT in Andrews, Texas at Andrews Golf Course on Saturday, Sept. 6.
