Chico State Athletics

Mark Noonan matched his lowest score in a Chico State uniform and helped lift the Chico State men's golf team to its first win of the 2021–22 season at last week's Western Washington Invitational. Tuesday, Noonan was named the Wildcat of the Week for his efforts. The freshman from Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, shot a 1-under par 71 Tuesday as the Wildcats roared back from a six-stroke deficit at the start of the final round to win by two shots.
 
Noonan carded three birdies and two bogeys. That, coupled with a first-round 77 in wet and rainy conditions on Monday, left him in a tie for sixth place among the tournament's individuals at 4-over par. It marked his first top-10 collegiate finish. He will be looking for his second while hoping to help lead the Wildcats to a second consecutive victory, when Chico State plays host to the Wildcat Classic at The Links at Rolling Hills next Monday and Tuesday in Corning.
 
Noonan's collegiate career began in 2019–20. He averaged 75.1 strokes per round in three tournament appearances as a true freshman (posting a personal-best 11^th place finish at the Wildcat Classic) before the season was cut short. He spent most of last year back home in Chicago, which was profiled HERE.
 
Noonan also earned California Collegiate Athletic Association All-Academic honors and the Division II Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Award for the 2020–21 academic year.