Submitted photo: Iowa Central golf teammates Bailey Doe (left) and Nico Booyens both punched individual tickets to the NJCAA national tournament on Tuesday.

WATERLOO — The Iowa Central men’s golf team just missed out on securing an automatic bid to nationals, placing fourth here Tuesday at the North Central District Championship.

Kirkwood claimed another crown with Des Moines Area and Southeast earning the other two bids. Southeast finished with an 889, one shot ahead of the Tritons.

Nico Booyens and Bailey Doe for Iowa Central secured individual bids to nationals by placing fifth and seventh overall. They earned two of the three non-qualifying team spots.

Booyens carded a final round 74 while Doe had a 73 on Tuesday. Kai Hielckert finished 14th with Ben Christy and Colby Ramsdale tying for 36th for the Tritons.

“We were able to accomplish some goals, but also fell short in others,” ICCC head coach Kris Graewin said. “We gave ourselves a great chance to make it through as a team to nationals and played well enough, we just unfortunately had a great player from Southeast make a 50 footer on us to keep us out.

“Couldn’t be happier for Nico and Bailey to qualify. After missing out on the national tournament last year, Nico took it personally and became obsessed with improving and he’s been such a great leader for us. Bailey came in at semester and really bought in to our philosophy and the way we want to play the game. He’s come a long way and I’m really looking forward to being able to have another 10 days with him to help continue to build toward next season.”

Graewin likes both players’ chances once they arrive at the national meet.

“Both players have a chance to become All-Americans,” Graewin said. “I can’t thank our sophomore class enough for all their hard work over the past two years.

“Kai, Jordan (Hellburg), Ethan (Spier), Nico have left their mark on the program.”

Luke Stratko of Southeast was medalist by two shots over Kirkwood’s Nate Offerman and Frank Haege.