By John M. Sherrard

(Arroyo Grande, CA) After a six-year hiatus, the Mt. SAC Men's golf team completed its season with a qualifier at the recently completed CCCAA state championships at Cypress Ridge Golf Course in Arroyo Grande.

Freshman Dylan Stone, who started the season as the No. 4 golfer finished the season strong and qualified for the state golf tournament.

Although he didn't play as well as he would have liked, Stone was ecstatic that he represented Mt. SAC at the highest level in the season-ending state tournament.

"I was extremely proud that I made it to state," Stone said. "I was very happy and honored to represent the school and the No. 1 athletic program in the country at the championships in Arroyo Grande.

"I was glad to have my low round at So Cal's to qualify for state, but I wish I could have done better at state."

Stone found the narrow par 72 Cypress Ridge golf course to be difficult and at times very windy. The morning scores were very high.

Stone found out about the reformed golf program at Mt. SAC from his high school golf coach, Tony McCabe of Diamond Bar.

"I was going to go to Mt. SAC anyway and it worked out that I made the team," added Stone.

"Most of the golfers were pretty good but I did gain a lot of valuable experience from regionals and state," Stone added. "Coach (Greg) Osbourne showed me various putting methods, especially the speed of the putt to the cup."

First-year Mt. SAC Golf coach Greg Osbourne was optimistic about the future of the men's program at the Walnut campus.

"Things are looking up for our program for the future and Dylan's appearance at state has helped in the early-season recruiting process," said Osbourne, who is a PGA member and has numerous ties to the golf community.

"It was a tremendous learning situation for him. He putted very well as the greens were very tough and it was a very tough course."

"Dylan will be one of our leaders next season and our number one goal is to win conference."

Mt. SAC competes in the six-team Orange Empire Conference.

Osbourne has been on the recruiting trail and has a CIF qualifiers from South Hills, James Johnson, and Cameron Smith of El Dorado that will be attending Mt. SAC in the fall.

In addition, nine returners will add to the depth and experience for the Mounties. Cole Albert, Curtis Ashton, David Gillette, Blake Davidson, Christopher Maldonado, Dilan Patel, Christopher Pinpin, Mark Reyes and Stone were all on the 2017 roster.

Transfer Ben Livesay from Santiago Canyon College will also add experience to the Mounties golf team.

Follow Mt. SAC Men's Golf on twitter @MtSAC_MGolf

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.