Justin Kraft headlines a list of four Red Raider players, along with Head Coach Aaron Aberson, to take home postseason honors as announced by the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) earlier today.
Kraft was named the GPAC Player of the Year for the second time (also in 2015) and earned all-conference honors for the fourth straight year. Kraft, the individual champion at the 2018 GPAC Championship, tied for the team-best scoring average (75.5) this season. The senior totaled four top five and six top 10 finishes, leading the Red Raiders to their fourth straight GPAC Championship. Kraft has a career scoring average of 75.0.
Aberson was selected as the GPAC Coach of the Year for the fourth straight and sixth time overall (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018). He led the Red Raiders to their fourth conference title and fourth straight NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship appearance.
Two additional Red Raiders, seniors Evan Schuler and Colton Kooima, were also named to the 15-player first team. Schuler, now a three-time all-conference selection, tied for fifth at the 72-hole GPAC Championship, his best finish at the conference meet in four seasons. Schuler ranked third on the team with a 75.8 scoring average and turned in three top five and six top 10 finishes. Kooima posted a 76.2 scoring average this spring and earned all-conference honors for the fourth year. Now a three-time first team pick, Kooima shot a 69-68 in the final two rounds of the GPAC Championship, playing a key role in the Red Raiders come-from-behind win.
Austin Retiz was one of four players to be receive honorable mention honors. Reitz, now a two-time all-conference recipient, matched Kraft for team-best honors with a season average of 75.5. Reitz won one meet (Red Raider Cup) and recorded three top five and six top 10 finishes.
Northwestern will begin play at NAIA Men’s Golf National Championship next week (May 15) at the TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill.
