Salem golfers take home top prize
at the Dearborn Elite Invitational

  The winner of Monday's Dearborn Elite Invitational came out of the blue.

  The Salem blue.

  With a roster stocked with underclassmen, Salem's golf team outplayed a field of first-class competition to win the 18-hole event at the Dearborn Country Club by four shots over runners-up U of D Jesuit and Novi Detroit Catholic Central.

  It was the first title the Rocks have earned under first-year coach Ryan Nimmerguth.

  The way Salem is playing, it won't be the last.

  "This was a nice surprise," said Nimmerguth. "Before we teed off today, we were kind of joking around, saying, 'Let's go out and win this thing.' Then the guys went out and won it. They played great.

  "Our goal in every 18-hole tournament is to shoot 320 or lower. This is the third straight 18-hole tournament that we've shot 316. The other two we finished fifth and sixth."

  The Rocks were led by Eric Duprey, who fired a four-over round of 76. Josh Perrin also excelled, carding a 78 on the challenging track.

  Also scoring for Salem were Patrick Doty (80) and Aaron Thompson, who shot an 82. Brandon Duprey registered an 86.

  Canton placed fifth in the 14-team event, shooting a 335. Leading the Chiefs was Brenden Muir, who carded a six-over 78. Also scoring for Canton were Kyle Korte (82), Zach Conrad (83) and Travis Hall (92).