Spartans Add Payne Gniewek To Next Year’s Squad

2007 Mr. Golf signs National Letter of Intent with Michigan State. 

 

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Payne Gniewek of Trenton, Mich. (Gabriel Richard High Catholic High School) has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Michigan State, as announced by head coach Mark Hankins. Gniewek will join the Spartans as a freshman for the 2007-08 season. 

 

“Payne finished off his senior year by winning his last three tournaments including the State Championship here at Forest Akers West,” Mark Hankins said. “Being named Mr. Golf in Michigan [top high school player] was icing on the cake and we are pleased to have him competing for the Spartans this fall.” 

  

The four-year letterwinner comes off an outstanding senior season with the Pioneers, where he was named All-State, All-Catholic and All-Area. The two-year captain held a 35 nine-hole stroke average and a 72 18-hole stroke average during his senior campaign, while leading Gabriel Richard Catholic to the Division III State Finals in 2007. Gniewek also earned the Mr. Golf Award and was the Catholic League Athlete of the Year as a senior. The four-time All-State winner set the nine-hole record of 32 in his freshman and junior year, and broke the 18-hole record with a 64 his final year. 

 

“Payne has national-level junior golf experience and has continued to play well this off-season,” Hankins said. “Payne will have an immediate opportunity to contribute with the graduation of Matt Harmon and will certainly add to the depth and quality of our team.”