Johnson County Community College
Press Release

College Information and Publications
913-469-8500
Julie Haas, Director, ext. 3120
Peggy Graham, Writer, ext. 3425
Tyler Cundith, Sports Information Director, ext. 3122

5/23/05
Story by Tyler Cundith

JCCC’s Kramer Ties for Seventh at NJCAA National Golf Championship

OVERLAND PARK, KS -- Johnson County Community College sophomore Jay Kramer of Lenexa, Kan., registered a tie for seventh at the NJCAA National Golf Championship at Mariah Hills Golf Course in Dodge City, Kan. Kramer has fired rounds of 78, 74, 69 and 73 for a 294 total, just six strokes off the pace set by Ryan Zamarano of Paris. Kramer’s performance earned him second-team NJCAA All-American and all-tournament accolades. He is the first All-American in team history, and second to earn all-tournament. His performance helped the Cavaliers to a seventh-place team finish, the best in team history.

Kramer set team records for lowest scoring total in a national tournament and highest individual finish. His 294 total edged the record set by Tommy Clifford at last year’s national tournament. Kramer’s 221 total for three rounds also was a team record, and his round of 69 is the lowest round recorded in a national tournament. In fact, Kramer was the first player in the field to fire a round under 70. Eight other players later joined him in the third round.

While Kramer’s 69 on Thursday was impressive, so was his 78 on Tuesday in extremely windy conditions. Only 28 of 102 players in the championship broke 80 in the opening round.

For the season, Kramer registered nine top 10 finishes, including two victories. He also earned all-conference, team MVP and JCCC Male Athlete of the Year.

Other JCCC players in the field include sophomore Eric Byers (T-27th, 304), freshman Aaron Odom (T-31st, 305), sophomore Tommy Clifford (T-67th, 313) and sophomore Tyler Goecker (T-76th, 317). Byers 304 total ties the seventh-best score at nationals, and Odom ranks ninth all-time. Clifford fired a final round 71, tying the second lowest score recorded at nationals. Byers’ and Odom’s final round 72 tie the sixth lowest score at nationals by a Cavalier.

A complete listing of the 2005 NJCAA Golf Championship results can be accessed at www.dc3.edu/sports/njcaa2005.