The future looks bright for Riverland Community College and freshman golfer Justin Bennett, who finished just two shots off the pace of achieving All-American status Friday at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III national golf championships in Chautauqua, N.

Monday, June 11, 2001

The future looks bright for Riverland Community College and freshman golfer Justin Bennett, who finished just two shots off the pace of achieving All-American status Friday at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III national golf championships in Chautauqua, N.Y.

The four-day, 72-hole national tournament ended with Riverland’s Bennett searching for a furious finish and All-American status. He ended the third day in 22nd place, needing to climb into the 18th spot to receive All-American honors. The golf gods did not comply, however, as Bennett finished his respectable effort at nationals with a round of 79 and a tie for 24th place.

Bennett shot 78-74-78-79 – 309, while the 18th and final All-American golfer at this year’s tournament shot 307. The tournament medalist shot 291.

"It was a great showing for Justin," Riverland golf coach David Lillemon said. "He represented Riverland very well. To shoot four rounds in the 70s is outstanding."

Riverland has qualified golfers for the NJCAA Division III national men’s golf tournament at the completion of four consecutive seasons. Josh Uusgaard finished 22nd overall in 1999.