The Mingus Union golf team has had its ups and downs this season, but as the schedule comes to a close, the Marauders are finding more consistency and wins along the way.
Richard Paynter and Travis Duwyenie have been the most consistent for the Marauders this season. Because of their reliability, they have been the No. 1 and No. 2 on the team this year. Paynter was the top golfer when the team went to Antelope Hills in Prescott. The Marauders won that golf match as well.
Mike Rebstein stepped up to play well over the last couple of weeks, which included being the medalist in Flagstaff in a 9-hole match at Continental a couple of weeks ago.
On Tuesday the Marauders defeated Prescott in a tiebreaker. Both teams had 162 points after the top four scores were counted. The No. 5 golfer was Wally Wilburn who shot a 44, Prescott's No. 5 shot a 44. Then the No. 6 golfer was counted. For Mingus it was Jasmine Roland and the Marauders beat Prescott by three strokes. Coming in third was Mohave, followed by Youngker in 4th.
Individually, Mike Rebstein finished first for Mingus with a score of 38. Richard Paynter shot a 39, followed by JC Lawler in third with a 42. Freshman Taylor Zale, who has really come on strong for the team, shot a 43.
The team's schedule is coming down to the wire, which means over the next week or two, coach Craig Mail will have to make a decision as to who the top five will be, heading into the regional meet on Oct. 30-31.
Currently, Paynter, Duwyenie, Rebstein, Wilburn and Lawler have the top five spots, but nothing is set in stone. Nipping at their heels are Roland and Zale.
"None of them have a solid spot," said coach Mai. "Everyone is still pushing to be in the top five."
Despite any win or lose record, coach Mai is very pleased with his team. His team is consistently receiving praise from other teams, coaches and players on how friendly they are.
"I am very proud of the great relationships they have created with other teams," said coach Mai.
The Marauders travel back to Continental in Flagstaff for another golf match. Then they are home on Oct. 23 for their own Verde Santa Fe Invitational. That begins at 10 a.m. Then on Oct. 30-31, the Grand Canyon Regions will be held at Verde Santa Fe. On Friday, they will tee off at 11 a.m. On Saturday, golfing begins at 10 a.m.
