The Olympic College Rangers sent six individual qualifiers to the NWAC Golf Championships this week, and they delivered their strongest golf of the season on one of the conference's biggest stages. Held at the picturesque but demanding Apple Tree Golf Course in Yakima, the tournament featured the league's top five teams alongside a select group of individual qualifiers. Although the Rangers did not qualify as a team, three OC men and three women earned their place among the best in the NWAC and made their presence known.
For the men, sophomore Seth Headrick proved why he belonged among the league's elite. The final individual qualifier into the field, Headrick rose to the occasion with rounds of 77 and 72 to post a 149 total and finish in third place overall. His even-par second round was capped in dramatic fashion with back-to-back birdies, earning him a spot on the NWAC All-Tournament Team. Headrick now heads to Simpson College in Redding, California to continue his academic and golf career.
Joining Headrick in Yakima were captain Orlando Chiquiti and freshman Casey Carter, both of whom saved their best for the final round of the year. Chiquiti rebounded from an uncharacteristic 89 on day one to fire a superb even-par 72 on day two—an incredible 17-stroke improvement—to finish tied for 21st at 161. Carter followed suit, carding 84 on Sunday and then going low on Monday with a 76 to finish at 160 and tie for 18th. The performance marked one of the most impressive collective second rounds of the season for the Ranger men.
On the women's side, two OC golfers broke into the top 10. Sophomore captain Elizabeth Mellum, recently named to the All-League Second Team, bounced back from an opening 95 with a strong 83 in round two to total 178 and tie for 9th place. Freshman Ava Guthrie matched that total with rounds of 90 and 88, also finishing tied for 9th.
Although Olympic College was not in contention for the team titles, the individual efforts and final-day performances showcased the grit, growth, and potential of the program. The Rangers walk away from Apple Tree with a top-3 finisher, an all-tournament selection, and multiple top-10 results—plenty to build on as they look ahead to the next season.
Congratulations to all five Ranger qualifiers and to the entire OC golf team on a memorable season!