Posted: May 11, 2023

Wedell Named CCAC Coach of the Year, Kidwell Named to CCAC All-Conference Second Team

Chicago, Ill. The Judson University Women's Golf Program has learned that two individuals have earned awards. John Wedell has been named CCAC Women's Golf Coach of the Year. Additionally, Grace Kidwell has been named to the CCAC All-Conference Second Team.

Wedell helped guide the Eagles to winning their first two meets of the season as the Eagles took home victories in the Carl Sandburg Invite and the Trinity Christian Invite. Wedell guided the Eagles to a third-place finish at the NCCAA Regional Tournament in September. The Eagles continued their successes in the fall with a third-place finish at the Benedictine Invite and a second-place finish at the Judson October Invite. In the spring, Judson continued to prove their mark in the CCAC with a pair of second-place finishes at the St. Xavier and Judson invites capped off with a third-place finish in the CCAC Championship.

Coach Wedell is a class act on and off the course," said Athletic Director Rick Williams. "He runs our golf program with a masterful blend of academic integrity, golf prowess, and servant leadership! We are happy and proud to see him honored as the CCAC coach of the year!"

One of Wedell's top newcomers, Grace Kidwell, was named to the CCAC All-Conference second team. Kidwell started her season with two second-place individual finishes as she shot an 89 at the Carl Sandburg invite, and then a 91 at the Troll classic. She finished in eighth at the NCCAA North Central Regional with a season-best 81 and had a fourth-place finish at Judson's second fall invite. The Terre Haute, Indiana native finished in 13^th at the CCAC Championship.

"I'm so excited for Grace to win this award," said Wedell. "She is an extremely athletic, dedicated, and hard-working individual. Her commitment to the team while pursuing her architecture degree is admired. I know she has her sights set much higher than this, but it's a fantastic start to her freshman year here at Judson! I'm really excited to see how she progresses through the next three years!"

Judson congratulates both Coach Wedell and Grace on these honors.