May 15, 2010
San Antonio – Matt Vela was a first team honoree, one of three St. Mary’s University Rattlers to earn All-Heartland Conference honors in men’s golf, it was announced by the league office in a vote of conference coaches. Also receiving all-conference recognition was Jeff Rein and Sam Jernigan.
Vela (Jr., San Antonio) had the best stroke average on the team at 72.8, including a low round of 67. He finished in the top 15 in 11 of 12 tournaments this season. He placed in the top five in five tournaments, including first place finishes at the Heartland Conference Tournament and the Spring Break Dual. He had five rounds in the 60s, second on the team. Vela received All-Heartland Conference for the third straight season. He is the fifth St. Mary’s men’s golfer to win the Heartland Conference individual crown.
Rein (Jr., San Antonio) was a second team All-Heartland Conference pick this season after earning first team honors in 2008-2009. Rein was second on the team with a 73.5 stroke average in 30 rounds. He had six top-10 finishes, including a second place showing at the Heartland Conference Tournament. His seven rounds in the 60s is a team best.
Jernigan (So., San Antonio) received second team All-Heartland Conference honors for the first time. He was third on the team with a 74.7 stroke average this season. He finished in the top 15 in tournaments six times, including a second place showing at the Alamo City Classic. Jernigan placed 19th at the Heartland Conference Championships and was 31st at the NCAA South Central Region Tournament.
St. Mary’s finished the 2009-2010 season at the NCAA South Central Region Tournament, placing 12th as a team, while Vela finished seventh, just one stroke away from advancing to the NCAA Championships as an individual. The Rattlers also took second place at the Heartland Conference Championships, with Vela taking individual medalist honors.