KEINO EARNS FIRST COLLEGIATE WIN AS RAIDERS RECLAIM ATOMIC CITY CLASSIC TITLE

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Roane State men's golf reclaimed the Atomic City Classic title in impressive fashion, led by freshman Collin Keino's first collegiate tournament victory and a pair of strong rounds from sophomore Tripp Hall, who earned All-Tournament Team honors.

The Raiders, who had won the tournament's first two editions in 2022 and 2023 before falling short last year, returned to the top behind steady team play and clutch individual performances. Head coach Chris Griffin said the win was a statement about the group's determination and balance.

"This was the fourth annual Atomic City Classic — we'd won the first two, got beat last year, and the guys were determined to get it back," Griffin said. "They didn't panic after day one. Collin basically put the team on his back in round two and brought those boys to the finish line."

Keino shot rounds of 70 and 67 to capture medalist honors at seven-under-par, closing with the lowest score of the tournament to secure his first collegiate victory. The performance continued an impressive run for the freshman, who was named TCCAA Golfer of the Week entering the event.

"He came out of high school as a highly sought-after golfer," Griffin said. "He's worked really hard on his golf game and his mental game. He is a great kid — we knew this was coming. He still hasn't shown his full potential, but he's getting real close."

Keino wasn't alone in delivering for the Raiders. Hall turned in rounds of 69 and 74 to finish one-under for the tournament, earning All-Tournament Team recognition. Griffin said Hall's consistency set the tone across both days of competition.

Freshmen Lennon Hill and Reggie Phelps each posted key scores in the second round to help Roane State seal its first team title of the fall. Griffin praised the group effort that pushed the Raiders past a competitive field featuring teams from Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

"It takes four or five guys contributing to win a college tournament," Griffin said. "We had outstanding play from Collin and Lennon on day two, and solid performances from Tripp and Reggie. That's what it takes to win."

The Atomic City Classic, hosted annually at Oak Ridge Country Club, has grown into one of the premier fall events in the region. Griffin credited the course's fall atmosphere and the tournament's tradition for its growing popularity.

"Everybody loves coming to Oak Ridge that time of year," Griffin said. "The colors are incredible, and we've had players say it's their best memory in college golf. That's what it's all about."

The victory marks Roane State's first team win of the season, with one fall event remaining — a November 3-4 trip to Cullman, Alabama, for the Wallace State Invitational featuring several top Division I JUCO programs.

"This group has something special," Griffin said. "We're looking forward to closing the fall strong."