Press Release:
Roane State men’s golf delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, capturing the TCCAA Region 7 Championship on Monday, April 20, behind a steady team effort and a medalist finish from freshman Andersen House. They are currently ranked 12th in the nation (NJCAA men’s Division II) and No. 1 in the region.
The Raiders posted a 36-hole total of 592 at the Ooltewah Club, finishing atop the leaderboard in a regional tournament that tested both endurance and consistency. The format required 36 holes in a single day, placing an emphasis on mental toughness and the ability to recover quickly from mistakes.
Head coach Chris Griffin said the result was a direct reflection of the team’s growth, particularly after facing a challenging field the week prior at the Hermitage in Nashville.
“We put our guys up against adversity the week before, and I think it paid off,” Griffin said. “They might have a bad hole, but they followed it up with a good one. That’s what you have to do in this game.”
Roane State’s ability to respond carried throughout the round, with multiple players contributing to the winning total. House led the charge, securing medalist honors with a two-round score of 141, highlighted by a late eagle that helped separate him from the field.
His finish mirrored a similar moment from the previous week when he eagled his final hole at the Hermitage. Griffin said that ability to finish strong is a sign of a player beginning to understand how to win at the collegiate level.
“Andersen had an eagle on his last hole again,” Griffin said. “To see him close like that and win his first collegiate tournament, that’s a huge deal.”
Freshman Lennon Hill followed closely behind, finishing second at 142 after a consistent day across both rounds. Hill’s play has been a steady factor throughout the spring, and Coach Griffin noted that his performance continues to trend upward at the right time in the season.
“Lennon’s having a great spring,” Griffin said. “He’s playing with a lot of confidence, and we’re seeing the results of that.”
The Raiders’ lineup also featured strong contributions from freshman Collin Keino, the TCCAA Region 7 Player of the Year, whose consistent scoring has anchored the team. Griffin described Keino as one of the most reliable players in the region, capable of maintaining competitive rounds even when not at his best.
“He’s just a steady golfer,” Griffin said. “Even his bad days are two or three over par, and that’s what separates really good college players.”
Keino earned All-TCCAA Team honors along with Hill. Rounding out the accolades from the TCCAA was Charlie Isham on the Raiders’ coaching staff who was named Golf Coach of the Year.
Roane State’s performance comes as the program continues to emphasize mental preparation, working closely with sports psychology coach Hunter Van Meter. Griffin said the team has begun to fully embrace those tools, leading to improved focus and composure on the course.
“They’re starting to see the rewards of that work,” Griffin explained. “They’re still learning, but they’re applying it, and that’s been a big difference for us.”
The region title adds to a season that has included multiple strong finishes and tournament victories, including a team win earlier this spring. The Raiders have consistently placed themselves among the top teams in the conference while building depth across the lineup.
With postseason play continuing, Roane State will next compete in the district tournament at Morristown Country Club where the Raiders will face one of their toughest tests of the year.
“That’s a tough place to go play,” Griffin added. “But our guys are up to the task. We’ve got four or five players doing really well right now, and that’s what you need this time of year.”
The NJCAA Southeastern District Tournament begins with two rounds on Monday, April 27, and a final round on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The top two teams and top three individuals from the District Tournament advance to the NJCAA DII Championship in Plymouth, Indiana.
Fans can follow the team’s progress through the postseason at roanestate.edu/mensgolf and on social media via the Roane State Athletics Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts with the handle @RSCCAthletics.