MGCCC’s George Kawell signs scholarship with Delta State

PERKINSTON – Mississippi Gulf Coast sophomore George Kawell has signed a scholarship to continue his collegiate golf career at Delta State.

"It's a relief, I guess," he said. "Now I can focus on state, region and nationals."

Kawell, who is from Collierville, Tenn., and went to Briarcrest Christian, has been a key member of the Bulldogs golf team, which is ranked second in the country by GolfStat and in the Bushnell GolfWeek NJCAA Division II poll.

He has four top 10 finishes for Gulf Coast this year, having just picked up his second MACJC event All-Tournament Team honor last weekend in Columbus.

Last year, he earned Golf Coaches Association of America Ping All-American honorable mention honors and was on the All-Region Team.

"He's a vital part of the team," Gulf Coast coach Tommy Snell said. "He helped us win state and region last year. He helped us to a third-place finish in the national championship. He's going to be hard to replace."

Kawell and the Bulldogs will be defending that MACJC title this weekend at Shiloh Ridge Athletic Club in Corinth. Next week, they'll be trying to win the school's ninth straight Region 23 championship.

Kawell said Delta State is close to home for him, and that he liked the small-town feel. He said he owes a debt to his current coach.

"Coach Snell helps us out a lot. Coming out of high school, this was my only offer and he made me into an All-American and hopefully a national champion this year," Kawell said. "When it comes to getting connected with coaches, I don't think there's anybody better than him."

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