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Trey Van Groningen commits to Dordt, following family legacy
Trey Van Groningen signing
Ripon Christian senior Trey Van Groningen is all smiles after signing a letter of intent to play golf for Dordt University. Courtesy Photo

 Trey Van Groningen considered four-year universities in Southern California and Florida, but it was hard for him to look past the small city in Iowa that has long been a second home for his family.

The Ripon Christian senior recently committed to Dordt University, where he will continue is golf career and study agriculture business.

“I’m just destined to go there,” he said. “Dordt felt like the right place, and I’m excited to go there and see what I can do.”

Van Groningen will be a third-generation student at Dordt and looks forward to reuniting with

Trey Van Groningen signing
Ripon Christian’s Trey Van Groningen putts on the 18th hole at The Reserve at Spanos Park during the Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Championships on May 13. - photo by JONAMAR JACINTO/Bulletin file photo
older brother Cade, a sophomore who is competing on the Dordt golf team. The northwestern Iowa city of The Christian school is based in Sioux Center, known for its Dutch heritage and agribusiness.

Dordt competes in the Great Plains Athletic Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Jon Crane coaches both of the Defenders’ men’s and women’s golf teams.

“It’s a great school and is really what I was looking for,” Van Groningen said. “The golf our there is a lot different with the wind and the weather, so I’m going to change my game a little bit and adapt. They have a great program and great coaches. I’m excited to work with them and play with my brother again, as well.”

The Van Groningen brothers have played big parts in Ripon Christian’s current dynastic run under coach Christian Manes.

Last year, Trey helped the Knights garner a fourth consecutive Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI championship. He earned All-Southern Athletic League honors and placed fourth individually with an even-par 72 score in the SJS Division VI Tournament held at Cherry Island Golf Course in Elverta. As a team, the Knights set a program-record low for an 18-hole tournament with a 378 score.

Van Groningen’s goal in his senior season is to break through at the SJS Masters Championships and earn a spot in the NorCal tournament. Last year, Ripon Christian placed 12th as a team at Masters, and Van Groningen netted an 80.

The road will be tougher for the Knights, as they’ve moved into the more competitive Trans-Valley League and SJS Division V field. With five of their top six players returning from last season, expectations remain high.

“I’m hoping to make it past Masters this year,” Van Groningen said. “Last year, I was a couple strokes away from getting (to NorCals). My goal is to win Masters and bring the team (to NorCals), as well.”