(Editor’s note: MSUB Athletics release)
BILLINGS – A trio of local golfers will join the Montana State University Billings men’s team for the upcoming 2019-20 season, as head coach Jeff Allen introduced his latest additions on Monday.
Blake Finn of Big Timber, Cash Golden of Laurel, and Riley Lawrence of Helena have each signed letters of intent to join the Yellowjackets this fall. “All three of these young men are great additions to MSUB,” said Allen. “They are all high quality students and talented golfers.”
The trio joins Kevin Kolb of Spearfish, South Dakota, and Paul O’Neil of Laurel, to make it five total signings for the MSUB men’s golf team.
2019-20 MSUB Men’s Golf Recruiting Class
- Blake Finn, Big Timber, MT
- Cash Golden, Laurel, MT
- Kevin Kolb, Spearfish, SD
- Riley Lawrence, Helena Capital/Providence, MT
- Paul O’Neil, Laurel, MT
Blake Finn
Big Timber, MT
Sweet Grass County High School
5-9 – Right-Handed
Major: Undecided
Finn was a three-sport athlete at Sweet Grass County High School, competing in golf, football, and basketball. He was a four-time all-state selection on the links, and was the Sheepherders’ team captain for three seasons. Finn’s top individual round was a 71, which stands as his high school’s record.
On the hardwood as a guard, Finn was a three-time all-conference selection and a three-time team captain. He also competed in an all-star tournament. Playing as a quarterback and linebacker in football, Finn was an all-conference and all-state pick, and team captain for two seasons. In addition to his athletic accolades, Finn was a four-time academic all-state honoree as well.
Coach Allen on Finn: “Blake just completed a very quality high-school career with a runner-up finish at the Montana Class B tournament. He is a great athlete who has very solid fundamentals and a great competitive demeanor. He is the type of player who will improve and adapt to the college game quickly within the regimen of our program.”
Finn on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because of the excellent academics and the great opportunity to golf under Coach Allen.”
Cash Golden
Laurel, MT
Laurel High School
5-10 – Right Handed
Major: Health and Human Performance
Golden was a four-sport athlete in high school, competing in golf, basketball, football, and baseball. He was a two-time all-state and three-time all-conference pick in golf, and earned three letters with the Locomotives. Golden was also a two-time academic all-state pick in golf. He was teammates with fellow Yellowjacket commitment O’Neil.
Golden played basketball for two seasons and was a wide receiver and cornerback on the football team for one year as well. He played American Legion baseball, where he was an all-state pick and team captain playing as a shortstop and pitcher.
Coach Allen on Golden: “Cash is a great athlete who can create a lot of speed, and he has the length to be very productive at the college level. He is an all-state player from a very quality Laurel program, and he knows what it takes to be committed and work hard. I am very excited to have two players, including Paul O’Neil, from Laurel in this recruiting class. They will both add great depth and internal competition to our roster.”
Golden on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because I felt like it was the best fit for me. The coaching staff is excellent, Billings is close to home, and I wanted to be a part of the Yellowjacket winning tradition. I will also be able to attend college with my brother, and play with my high school teammate Paul which is very exciting.”
Riley Lawrence
Helena, MT
Capital High School/University of Providence
5-8 – Right Handed
Major: Business/Criminal Justice
After competing at the University of Providence for two seasons Lawrence will play his final two collegiate years with the Yellowjackets. He was an academic all-conference selection for the Argonauts during the 2018-19 season.
Lawrence competed in golf and tennis during his career at Capital High School, and he was an all-state selection in golf his senior season. He was also a two-time team captain of the Bruins’ golf team, and team captain in tennis for one year. Among his personal bests on the course include a nine-hole score of 30, a three-round score of 13-under-par, an individual round of 64, and four holes-in-one.
Coach Allen on Lawrence: “Riley comes to MSUB with two years of college experience, which will be a nice addition to a roster that has a lot of tournament experience with five returning players. He was a top player for Providence and has the ability to shoot some very low scores. His work ethic and dedication to the game are exactly what we are looking for in this program. I look forward to Riley making an immediate impact for our team.”
Lawrence on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because I want to play golf at a higher level, and I believe MSUB and Coach Allen can help me accomplish that. The program is growing more successful, and I want to be a part of it.”
