Menard wins EMO individual title, North Callaway finishes fourth

Senior Justin Menard was the individual champion with a 7-over par 79 as the Thunderbirds finished fourth at the Eastern Missouri Conference championships Thursday.

"Obviously Justin's playing at a high level and putting up consistently high numbers ...," North Callaway head coach Jason Smith said. "He's putting up these numbers in adverse conditions. It was cold and it was windy, and he still played well.

"He's playing to his strengths. That shows his maturity as a golfer."

Senior Tyler Taylor earned second-team all-EMO honors by finishing 12th with a 97 as the Thunderbirds amassed a 394 team score at Eagles Bluff Golf Course. Silex secured the team championship, while Elsberry was second and Bowling Green third.

Sophomore Chris Vaught also shot a 106 for North Callaway and senior Scott Wright had a 112.

Meanwhile, Menard shot a 37 to pick up medalist honors as the Thunderbirds lost to Harrisburg by 16 strokes, 180-196, in Wednesday's dual at L.A. Nickell Golf Course in Columbia.

In Tuesday's triangular at Mexico Country Club, North Callaway accumulated a 228 team total to finish third behind host Mexico (169) and Boonville (195). Menard was the medalist with a 39.

The Thunderbirds compete in the Class 2, District 3 championships at Innsbrook Golf Course in Wright City at 9 a.m. Monday.