Men’s Golf Posts Solid Showing at Hillcat Classic
OWASSO, Okla. – The East Central University men's golf team continued their spring campaign at the Hillcat Classic, hosted by Rogers State University at Bailey Ranch Golf Club on March 9-10.
Competing against a competitive field, the Tigers looked to build off their opening tournament and gain valuable experience in just their second event of the 2026 spring season.
Pablo Illescas once again paced ECU with a strong and consistent three-round performance, finishing with a total score of 218 (+2) to tie for sixth place. Illescas opened the tournament with an impressive 2-under-par 70 in Round 1, carding a clean and steady round highlighted by multiple birdies to position himself near the top of the leaderboard early. He followed with a 3-over-par 75 in Round 2, battling through a tougher stretch while still managing key pars to stay within striking distance. In the final round, Illescas bounced back with a 1-over-par 73, putting together another composed performance that included timely birdies and steady play down the stretch. He closed the tournament at 2-over par, leading the Tigers for the second consecutive event.
Gabriel Jones turned in the second-best performance for the Tigers, finishing the Hillcat Classic with a three-round total of 227 (+11) to finish 26
th. Jones opened with an even-par 72 in Round 1, highlighted by an impressive 3-under-par front nine and an eagle to pace his round. He stayed steady throughout, using key birdies and that momentum boost to position himself near the top of the leaderboard after day one. In Round 2, he carded a 6-over-par 78, facing a tougher stretch but continuing to battle through the round. He closed the tournament with a 5-over-par 77 in the final round, adding another eagle to cap off his performance.
Gage Tennyson finished next for the Tigers, placing 31st overall with a three-round total of 231 (+15). Tennyson opened the tournament with a 3-over-par 75 in Round 1, putting together a steady performance that included consistent play across both nines. In Round 2, he followed with a 4-over-par 76, highlighted by a strong 2-under-par front nine. He closed the tournament with an 8-over-par 80 in the final round, battling through a tough stretch to round out his performance.
Jackson Jones rounded out the team scoring for ECU, finishing 33rd overall with a three-round total of 232 (+16). Jones opened the tournament with an 8-over-par 80 in Round 1, facing a challenging start but finding more consistency on the back nine. He responded in Round 2 with a 4-over-par 76, showing improvement with steadier play and limiting mistakes throughout the round. He closed with another 4-over-par 76 in the final round, putting together back-to-back consistent rounds to finish the tournament at 16-over par and cap off the Tigers' team scoring.
Landon Alexander and
Aidan Morrison rounded out the Tigers' lineup. Alexander finished with a three-round total of 250 (+34), posting rounds of 86, 80, and 84, while Morrison closed with a 257 (+41), carding rounds of 89, 85, and 83. Both players battled through tough stretches on the course and contributed to the team's overall effort.
