STATESMEN GOLF ARCHIVE

April 23, 2007

UWF leads way after 36 holes at GSC Championships; Statesmen 10th after round one

• Day One GSC Championship Results

Hot Springs, Ark.—Defending Champion West Florida and North Alabama lead the 13-team field after 36 holes of the 2007 Blue Cross Blue Shield/Gulf South Conference Men’s Golf Tournament at the Hot Springs Country Club in Hot Springs, AR.

UWF enters the final 18 holes in first place after firing a combined –3, 573, just one shot ahead of second-place UNA’s –2, 572. The Lions shot the top round of the day, shooting 284 in the Tournament’s first 18 holes.

Valdosta State and Arkansas Tech are in striking distance after finishing third and fourth, respectively. VSU finished with a +2, 578, while ATU shot a +6, 582. West Georgia (+18, 594) rounds out the Top Five, while just one shot separates Harding (+26, 602) and Henderson State (+27, 603). Montevallo (+29, 605) finished eighth, followed by Ouachita Baptist (+40, 616), Delta State (+41, 617), Christian Brothers (+64, 640), Southern Arkansas (+105, 681) and Arkansas-Monticello (+146, 722).

Individually, ten players completed 36 holes shooting under-par, including six players who are tied for fifth place. VSU’s Jason Flowers entered the clubhouse atop the leaderboard, firing a –6, 138 thanks to a Tournament-low round of 66 in the second 18 holes of play.

North Alabama’s Daniel Creel finished one-shot behind (-5, 139), followed by HSU’s Ben Cuzen (-4, 140) and Valdosta State’s Josh Tompkins (-2, 142). Six players are tied for fifth place at –1 (143), including ATU’s Jarred Carlyle, UNA’s Wes Smith, UWG’s Nelson Alvarez and UWF trio David Lingmerth, Matthew Galloway and Federico Damus.

The Tournament concludes tomorrow morning with the final 18 holes scheduled to tee off at 8:00 a.m. Central Time.

 

April 4, 2007

CENTRAL OKLAHOMA EDGES LIONS BY ONE STROKE IN UNA SPRING CLASSIC; STATESMEN FINISH

MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. -- Central Oklahoma turned in a final round 298 to edge past host North Alabama and win the 2007 UNA Spring Classic by one stroke at the Robert Trent Jones of the Shoals Fighting Joe course.  Delta State posted a two-round 619 (311-308) to finish thirteenth. 

Central Oklahoma trailed UNA by one stroke entering the final round and, with UNA's 300 total Tuesday, UCO posted the win in the 22-team field. Central Oklahoma finished at 589, followed by UNA Purple (590), West Florida (593), Abilene Christian (593), St. Edward's (594), Lynn (595), St. Mary's (595), Cameron (602), Arkansas Tech (602) and Montevallo (612) in the top 10.

Individually, Mitch Boles of Central Oklahoma took medalist honors with rounds of 65 and 73 for a 138 total. Will Wilcox of Clayton State (143), Daniel Creel of North Alabama (144), Hugues Joannes (144) and Blake Slaughter of St. Edward's (144) made the all-tournament team.

Jordan Farmer was the high finisher for the Statesmen in 41st place with a 152 (76-76).  Brand Hartzell also finished in the top 50 in forty-fourth spot with a 154 (75-79).  Jordan Breaux finished fifty-eighth with a 156 (79-77), while Matt Sellers was sixty-fourth with a 157 (81-76).  Lee Rhodus closed out the scoring for the Statesmen with a 161 (82-79) in eighty-first place.

The Statesmen will now begin preparations for the upcoming Gulf South Conference Championships April 23-24 at the Hot Springs Country Club in Hot Springs, Ark. 

Click here for complete results.

April 3, 2007

Statesmen sit in 16th place after day one of UNA Spring Classic in Muscle Shoals, Ala.

MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. - The University of West Florida clings to a slim lead over the field after the first day of competition at the University of North Alabama Spring Classic. The Statesmen of Delta State University are currently 16th.

The two day tournament is being played at the Robert Trent Jones of the Shoals Fighting Joe Course and it will conclude on Wednesday afternoon. For complete day one reults, please click here.

March 16, 2007

Statesmen take sixth place finish at Drury Invitational
By Marks Elder

• Dury Invitational Results

HOLLISTER, MO. - On Saturday, Coach Sam Dunning and the Delta State University Golf team traveled to Hollister, Missouri as they competed in the Drury Battle at the Creek, a two day tournament hosted by Drury University at the Branson Creek Golf Course.
           
DSU wrapped up round one Saturday with a team score of 294 in a tie with Arkansas Tech University. Brandon Hartzell ended the opening round shooting a 71, while Lee Rhodus ended the day tied for with a 72. Matt Sellers completed the round with a 75. Jordan Breaux finished with a 76 as Joel Presley closed the round for the Statesmen with a 77.
           
The second and final round of the Battle at the Creek began on Sunday with DSU sitting in a tie for the lead. Dunning’s squad would close the round with a team score of 320.

Hartzell finished the final round shooting a 77 for a tournament total of 148 tied for eighth on the leader board. Rhodus finished with a 78 and a total of 150 tied in the 13th spot.

Matt sellers finished in 31st shooting an 82 in the closing round for a combined score of 157. Breaux shot a round two 83 for a total of 159 and a 37th place tie. Joel Presley shot an 86 on the second day finishing tied for 49th with a 163.
           

DSU finished in sixth place for the weekend behind Hartzell’s 8th place finish. Drury and ATU finished tied for first with Central Missouri came in third. Washburn took the fourth spot while SW Oklahoma finished fifth. SIU Edwardsville finished seventh followed by Missouri St. Louis in eighth. Southwest Baptist, Missouri Western and Rockhurst rounded out the bottom three.

Drury’s Seon Kim finished first overall shooting one over for the weekend.
           
The Statesmen are back in action on April 2 as they compete in the UNA Spring Classic in Florence, Alabama.

March 5, 2007

Statesmen finish third at HSU Doyle Wallace Classic
By Marks Elder

• Doyle Wallace Classic Results

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - The Statesmen golf team traveled to Hot Springs, ark. this weekend as they competed in the Doyle Wallace Classic hosted by Henderson State University at the Hot Springs Country Club.
           
Coach Sam Dunning’s squad finished third overall behind Brandon Hartzell who shot an 80 in the opening round and a 72 in the final round to finish with a 152. Hartzell finished fifth. Ben Whelan shot a 75 for day one and finished day two with a 78, finishing with a 153 in sixth place.

Matt Sellars finished tied for 13th shooting an 81 in the opening round and finishing day 2 with a 75 shooting 156 for the weekend. Lee Rhodus took the 15th spot shooting an 81 on the opening round and finishing day two with a 76 and shooting a 157 for the weekend.  Jordan Breaux finished in a tie for 17th with a 159, hooting a 79 in the first round of play and finished the final round with an 80. The Statesmen finished the tournament with a 616 team score.
           
Arkansas Tech finished first with a score of 608 behind Jonathan spikes second place finish shooting 148. Henderson State University finished second while Harding came in fourth place. Ouachita Baptist University finished fith rounding out the top five. Christian Brothers University finished sixth while OBU’s B squad finished in seventh. Southern Arkansas University finished in the 8th spot rounding out the tournament field.

February 13, 2007

Statesmen finish 12th at Matlock Collegiate Classic
By Marks Elder

LAKELAND, Fla. - Coach Sam Dunning and the Delta State University golf team wrapped up the final round of the Matlock Collegiate Classic on Tuesday at the Grasslands Golf and Country Club in Lakeland Fla. The Statesmen finished the tournament in 12th place with a team score of 927.

Jordan Breaux and Jordan Farmer led the Statesmen with three-round 230. Both gofers finished in a tie for 47th. Jake Kuharich finished 53rd with a 236, while Lee Rhodus finsihed 58th with a 238. Matt Sellers rounded out the scoring for DSU with a 240.

Nova Southeastern finished first behind a second place finish by Eric Cole, who shot a 71 in the final round and a 213 for the Tournament. West Florida’s Mathew Galloway finished first with a 68 in the final round and shooting 212 for the tournament.

Click here for complete results.  

February 12, 2007

Statesmen 12th after first round of the Matlock Collegiate Classic hosted by Florida Southern College
By Marks Elder

LAKELAND, Fla. -The Delta State University golf team completed the first round of the Matlock Collegiate Classic Monday in Lakeland, Fla. At the close of day one, the Statesmen stand in 12th place with a team score of  311.

The Statesmen were led by senior Matt Sellers, who shot a 76 and tied for 28th for the day. Jake Kuharich finished with a 77, good enough for a 35th place tie. Lee Rhodus finished the round shooting 79 and sits in a tie for 47th with teammate Jordan Farmer. Jordan Breaux finished in 59th place with an 82.

Nova Southeastern University is at the top of the leader board after day one led by Eric Cole’s 70. Second round play continues Tuesday at the Grasslands Golf and Country Club in Lakeland. 

October 18, 2006

STATESMEN FINISH SIXTH AT UNA CLASSIC

CLEVELAND - The Swinging Statesmen traveled to Destin, Fla. Monday and Tuesday to participate in the Indian Bayou Classic Golf Tournament.
           
The Statesmen finished sixth overall of 14 teams with a team score of 319.Ben Whelan finished tied for 10th with a two-day score of 76. Matt Sellers shot an 80 followed by Jordan Farmer with an 81. Jordan Breaux shot an 82 and Lee Rhodus shot an 84.
           
Columbus State won the overall tournament with a combined score of 303 led by individual winner Kyle Albright who shot a 72.

Round two was rained out.

Click here for complete results.

October 17, 2006

STATESMEN CURRENTLY SIXTH AT UNA CLASSIC

DESTIN, Fla. - The Delta State University men's golf team currently sits in sixth place at the University of North Alabama Classic. The two day tournament is being played at the Indian Bayou Golf Club.

Ben Whelan carded the low round for DSU with a 76. Matt Sellers recorded an 80 followed by Jordan Farmer's 81, Jordan Breaux's 82 and Lee Rhodus' 84.

Round two will resume on Tuesday morning.

October 7, 2006

LINDENWOOD FINISHES STRONG, STATESMEN FALL TO FOURTH IN FINAL DAY OF THE DERRALL FOREMAN INVITATIONAL

CLEVELAND -  The Lindenwood Lions finished an impressive 11-under par to take team honors at the Derrall Foreman Invitational played at the Cleveland Country Club Saturday. They landed four golfers in the top ten for the tournament: Kyle Gray, Blaine Kruger, and Bergen Price all tied at 140 (-4) and Brock Robillard finished with 145 (+1). Only B.J. Hawkins of Arkansas Tech had a better tournament finishing at 139 (-5).

The Statesmen were led by Matt Sellers’ 141 (-1), placing fifth behind the Lindenwood Three. Jordan Farmer finished in a tie for 15th with a respectable 148 (+6).  Delta State finished fourth overall in a tie with Lindenwood’s B-squad at 591 (+15).  Arkansas Tech finished second with an even 576 combined, North Alabama finished just behind at 580 (+4).

The Statesmen return to the links on October 16th and 17th at the UNA Invitational to be held at the Indian Bayou Golf Course in Destin, Florida.

For complete team and individual results, please click here.

Fin. Top 20 Teams Scores
1 Lindenwood Univ. 284 281 565
2 Arkansas Tech Univ. 289 287 576
3 North Alabama, U. of 293 287 580
4 Delta State U. 291 300 591
Lindenwood B 299 292 591
6 Lewis University 298 294 592
7 North Alabama B 301 303 604
8 Mobile, U. of 315 297 612
9 DSU B 316 297 613
10 Harding University 317 297 614
11 Arkansas Tech B 322 294 616
12 Henderson St. Univ. 314 303 617
13 Union University -TN 308 314 622
14 Copiah-Lincoln 316 308 624
15 Ouachita Baptist U. 315 311 626
Mississippi College 316 310 626
17 Millsaps College 310 318 628
18 Louisiana College 322 309 631
19 Alabama State U. 329 304 633
20 Hinds CC 329 311 640

October 5, 2006

LINDENWOOD LEADS AFTER FIRST ROUND OF DERRALL FOREMAN CLASSIC; STATESMEN THIRD  

CLEVELAND – After three straight days of highs in the eighties and near-perfect wind conditions, the Derrall Foreman Classic teed off Friday morning with a brisk wind and temps hovering in the lower fifties. The weather didn’t seem to bother Lindenwood College on Friday, as the Lions (284) rolled to a five stroke lead over the field after the first round. Arkansas Tech (289) was second followed by Delta State (291), North Alabama (293) and Lewis University (298) in the top five.

“We had some tremendous performances today, despite the temperatures and weather conditions,” said Sam Dunning, DSU head coach. “Lindenwood was very impressive throughout the first round and I thought the rest of the field really seemed to get acclimated to the course as the day wore on.” Dunning added, “I felt our team really made the most of some opportunities today, but we still have some work to do if we want to win this tournament.”

Lindenwood’s Kyle Gray leads the individual tournament chase with a stellar first-round 67. Alex Hirai of North Alabama and Jonathon Spikes of Arkansas Tech are in second place after carding a pair of 69s. Delta State’s Matt Sellers (70) is fourth followed by UNA’s Daniel Creel and Matt Gourget, and Lindenwood’s Blaine Kruger and Bergen Price with 71s.

Matt Sellers paced the Statesmen A-team all morning on the Cleveland Country Club course. Sellers, a senior from Senatobia, fird a first round 70. Sellers carded a 34 on the front nine and a 36 on the back nine to lead the Statesmen.

Brandon Hartzell is currently tied for ninth with a 72 (35-37). Lee Rhodus is in 17th with a 74, while Ben Whalen and Jordan Farmer carded 75s to round out the A-team scoring.

Delta State's B-team is 13th place led by Ken Horton's 74 (35-39). Joel Presley recorded a 78 to place 41st with Trent Adams in 68th place with an 81. Jordan Breaux and Jake Kuharich are tied for 81st with an 83.

The Derrall Foreman Classic will continue on Saturday with the second and final round to be played at the Cleveland Country Club. The second round will begin at 7:30 a.m. Click here for complete team results with individuals.

Fin. Top 20 Teams Scores

1 Lindenwood Univ. 284

2 Arkansas Tech Univ. 289

3 Delta State U. 291

4 North Alabama, U. of 293

5 Lewis University 298

6 Lindenwood B 299

7 North Alabama B 301

8 Union University -TN 308

9 Millsaps College 310

10 Henderson St. Univ. 314

11 Mobile, U. of 315, Ouachita Baptist U. 315

13 DSU B 316, Miss. College 316, Copiah-Lincoln 316

16 Harding University 317

17 Louisiana College 322, Arkansas Tech B 322

19 Alabama State U. 329, Hinds CC 329

 

October 3, 2006

SWINGING STATESMEN FINISH 18TH AT AFLAC/COUGAR INVITATIONAL

COLUMBUS, Ga.- Coming off a first round 305, the Delta State University men’s golf team knew it would be an uphill climb in the second and final round of the Aflac/Cougar Invitational hosted by Columbus State University on Tuesday.  Despite the round one setback, the Statesmen improved their score by three strokes to finish the second round with a 302.  Delta State finished 18th overall with a 607 (305-302). 

“We played a little better today, but we still fell short of our goals,” said DSI head coach Sam Dunning.  “We’ll regroup and be ready to play this Friday when we host the Derrall Foreman Classic.”

Ben Whalen paced the Statesmen with a two-round 150 (74-76).  Lee Rhodus carded a 152 (77-75), while Jordan Farmer shaved five strokes off his round one total to finish with a 153 (79-74).  Matt Sellers and Brandon Hartzell rounded out the scoring with a pair of identical 154s (77-77). 

Columbus State rallied from eight strokes down to win the tournament with a 2-under-par 566.  Valdosta State, Georgia College and State, and Barry University finished in a three way tie for second with a 573.  West Florida rounded out the top five with a 575.   

The Statesmen return to the course this Friday and Saturday at the Derrall Foreman Classic.  Delta State will host the two round event at the Cleveland Country Club.  Play begins Friday morning. 

 

October 2, 2006

SWINGING STATESMEN STRUGGLE IN OPENING ROUNG OF AFLAC/COUGAR CLASSIC

COLUMBUS, Ga.- Treacherous winds and a challenging course led to some trials and tribulations for the Delta State University men’s golf team on Monday in the opening round of the AFLAC/Cougar Classic played at the Green Island Country Club in Columbus, Ga.  The Statesmen carded a 305 Monday and currently sit in 17th place after the first round.

“We struggled a bit today on a very challenging course,” said Sam Dunning, DSU head men’s golf coach.  “We’ll make some adjusts and come out tomorrow ready to make a move on the leaderboard.”

Sophomore Ben Whalen led the Statesmen with a low round 74.  The Ontario, Canada native shot a 35 on the front nine and a 39 on the back nine to finish with the 74.  Whalen is currently tied for 55th overall.

Matt Sellers, Lee Rhodus and Brandon Hartzell all posted rounds of 77 on Monday.  The trio is currently tied for 83rd.  Freshman Jordan Farmer rounded out the scoring for the Statesmen.  Farmer turned in a 79 to sit in 96th spot after day one.

Valdosta State leads the event comfortably after carding a six under-par 278. Georgia College and State University and West Florida are currently tied at -1 (283) in second place. Columbus State, the tournament’s host, is fourth with a +2 (286).     

The AFLAC/Cougar Classic will conclude on Tuesday with the final round beginning at 8 a.m. at the Green Island Country Club.      

 

September 26, 2006

SWINGING STATESMEN FINISH 13 TH AT COKER COLLEGE INVITATIONAL

ORLANDO , Fla. – The Delta State men’s golf team shaved seven strokes off their first round scores to finish 13 th at the 2 nd annual Coker College Invitational played at the Orange County National Golf Club in Orlando, Fla. The Statesmen carded a 299 on Monday and a 292 on Tuesday to finish with a 591. Delta State finished 19 strokes behind tournament champion Valdosta State University (572).

“I was very pleased with our effort today,” said DSU head coach Sam Dunning. “Ben Whalen and Lee Rhodus did a good job leading our team to a solid finish.”

Ben Whalen, a sophomore from Ontario, Canada, finished in 19 th place after posting a 145 (74-71). Junior Lee Rhodus placed 42 nd after firing a 148 (77-71) over the two day tournament. Jordan Farmer, a freshman from Natchez, finished tied for 55 th with a 150 (75-75), while junior Matt Sellers turned in a 151 (76-75) to place 58 th. Jake Kuharich, a junior from Gulfport, closed out the scoring for DSU with a 156 (74-82). Kuharich finished 81 st.

The Statesmen will return to action on October 2 at the Cougars Classic hosted by Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga.

Click here for complete results.

September 25, 2006

DELTA STATE 15 TH AFTER DAY ONE AT COKER INVITATIONAL

ORLANDO, Fla. - The Delta State University men’s golf team currently sits in 15 th place after day one at the Coker College Invitational. The Statesmen shot a 299 in round one at Orange County National Golf Club. Ben Whalen and Jake Kuharich led the Statesmen with a pair of 74’s.

Valdosta fired off a team total of 282, six under par. Valdosta is closely followed by Presbyterian College with a four under 284 and West Florida and Florida Southern, who are each tied for third with scores of two under par 286.

The Statesmen rounded out their scoring with Jordan Farmer’s 75, Matt Sellers’ 76, and Lee Rhodus’ 77.

Competition continues Tuesday morning at Orange County National with the second and final round of the Coker College Invitational. Complete team standings are listed below.

Fin. School Scores
1. Valdosta St. U. (282 -6)
2. Presbyterian College (284 -4)
3 .West Florida, U. of (286 -2)
3. Florida Southern Col (286 -2)
5. Nova Southeastern U. (287 -1)
6. Columbus State (288 E)
7. USC Upstate (290 +2)
8. Barry University (292 +4)
8. Lynn University (292 +4)
8. North Alabama, U. of (292 +4)
11. Armstrong Atlantic (293 +5)
12. Pfeiffer University (296 +8)
13. Florida Inst of Tech (297 +9)
14. Eckerd College (298 +10)
15. Delta State U. (299 +11)
15. Georgia Coll & St. U (299 +11)
17. Coker College (300 +12)
18. Ohio Valley Univ. (310 +22)

 

September 13, 2006

SWINGING STATESMEN FINISH SECOND AT TIGER INVITATIONAL  

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The Delta State men’s golf team began the 2006-07 season with a bang, finishing second at the Tiger Invitational hosted by Ouachita Baptist University at the Hot Springs Country Club. The Statesmen carded a two-day total 605 (302-303) to finish 13 strokes behind champion Arkansas Tech. Freshman Jordan Farmer recorded the low finish for the Statesmen with a 151 (80-71).

“Considering it was the first tournament of the year, we played very well,” said head coach Sam Dunning. “We had our chances to finish a little better, but I think the guys learned a lot from this trip.”

Jordan Farmer, a freshman from Natchez, rebounded from a first round 80 to post a 71 on Tuesday. Ben Whalen, a sophomore from Ontario, Canada, finished one stroke behind Farmer with a 152 (76-76). Jordan Breaux, a freshman from Sulphur, La., and Matt Sellers, a senior from Senatobia, both carded a 154. Breaux turned in rounds of 75 and 79, while Sellers recorded rounds of 71 and 83. Junior Lee Rhodus closed out the scoring for Delta State with a 159 (82-77).

The Wonder Boys of ATU (592) successfully defended their title from last year, while the Statesmen (605), Harding (620), Henderson State (621) and Ouachita Baptist (636) rounded out the top five finishers.

The Statesmen return to the course on September 25-26 at the Coker University Invitational in Orlando, Fla.

 

August 9, 2006

STATESMAN GOLF PROGRAM RANKED 10TH BEST IN NCAA DII BY GOLD DIGEST

CLEVELAND – Fans of Delta State University athletics have known for years that the Statesmen boast one of the top golf programs in the nation. Thanks to the September issue of Golf Digest magazine - so will the rest of the nation. Golf Digest recently completed its annual College Golf Guide ranking all 772 NCAA men’s and 500 women’s programs. The Statesmen placed tenth in all of NCAA Division II. Each school was ranked according to criteria based on scoring average, player growth, academics, climate, coaches and facilities.

“This is a wonderful honor and distinction for our program,” said DSU head golf coach Sam Dunning. “We have a long-standing tradition of excellence that has been handed down from coach-to-coach and player-to-player.” Dunning added, “We strive to build upon that tradition each year and we are proud that Golf Digest has recognized that hard work and dedication.”

Delta State received a composite score of 73.164 in the Golf Digest rankings in NCAA DII. DSU was the only school in the DII rankings to post a player growth rate above 1.00 and the Statesmen also boasted the highest improvement rate of any DII school in the top 10.

“I believe the rankings show that we have built a program that develops players on the golf course and in the classroom,” added Dunning. “Student-athletes know that they have the opportunity to grow as individuals when they come to Delta State.”

Rollins College (83.978) was ranked first in NCAA DII and fourth overall. Florida Southern (76.111) placed second followed by West Florida (75.955), California State-Bakersfield (75.840) and California State-Stanislaus (75.631) in the top five. UC-San Diego (75.606) was sixth followed by South Carolina-Aiken (75.269), Barry (73.734), Hawaii-Hilo (73.413) and Delta State (73.164).

Complete rankings and an explanation of the rankings formula can be found at www.golfdigest.com. For more information on the Statesman golf program, please contact the Delta State University Department of Athletics at (662) 846-4300.

To access complete coverage of the Golf Digest College Golf Rankings, please click here.

May 20, 2005

USC AIKEN HOLDS ON TO DEFEND THEIR NCAA DII MEN'S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP TOP-RANKED PACERS WIN BY FIVE STROKES OVER HOST ARMSTRONG ATLANTIC; DELTA STATE FINISHES 11 TH

SAVANNAH , Ga. - As Friday dawned on the Club at Savannah Harbor , the USC Aiken Pacers were 18 holes away from their second straight NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championships. With the threat of afternoon rain, players began the final round early with a 7:00 a.m. starting time and when the midday sun climbed over Hutchinson Island , the Pacers had held on for a five-stroke win over host Armstrong Atlantic, their second straight national championship.

The Delta State University Statesmen continued to play better on the Savannah Harbor course Friday, but failed to make a major move late in the day. DSU finished the fourth with a 298. The Statesmen finished in 11 th place with a four-round 1185 (304-303-279-298).

Clark Richardson, a senior from Hot Springs , Ark. , finished in ninth place with a 288 (74-75-68-71). Pier Roy finished 27 th with a 294 (75-72-72-75), while Kevin Jones finished with a 297 (77-77-68-75) and in 40 th place. Rodney Boswell (78-80-75-81) and Bryan Shumate (84-82-71-77) finished in a tie for 89 th with a 314.

“I am very pleased with the way our guys competed this season,” stated DSU Head Coach Sam Dunning. “We never gave up in any tournament and we claimed the first Gulf South Conference team championship in the program’s history.” Dunning added, “Our seniors definitely have something to hang their hat on!”

USC Aiken began the day with a four-stroke lead and stretched that lead to as many as nine on the front nine, but the race tightened up on the back nine as the Pirates closed to within two strokes when senior Ashley Loyd carded an eagle-two on the par-4, hole 14. With eight holes to play, that two-stroke edge continued to separate the two Peach Belt Conference schools, but the Pirates gave back three strokes over the next three holes, securing the Pacers to win.

The Pacers shot a final-round 293 to finish the tournament with an 1158 total, 22-over-par. Armstrong Atlantic fired a final-round 294 and finished the tournament with a 27-over-par 1163 total, their best finish nationally in the five years since reinstating the program in 2000-01. St. Edward's (Texas), making its first foray into the 2005 NCAA DII Men's Golf Championship finals, finished third after a final-round 290 to total 1169, 33-over-par. Cal State Bakersfield (1170, +34) and Hawaii Hilo (1173, +37) rounded out the top five schools. Rollins College shot the day's best round on Friday with a two-over-par 286 and vaulted to sixth.

The individual race was just as close as the team race was down the stretch. Burkhart began the day with a three-stroke advantage over Nick Mason of Hawaii HIlo, but Mason tied Burkhart on the back nine and it took a birdie by Burkhart on the par-3 hole No. 17 to clip Mason by one stroke. Burkhart shot a one-over-par 72 on Friday and finished the tournament with a five-under-par 279 total, while Mason carded a one-under-par 70 to finish the tournament with a four-under-par 280 total. Todd Dayton of Central Oklahoma had the day's best round on Friday with a four-under-par 67 and moved up to third individually, finishing the tournament with an even-par 284. Brice Garnett of Missouri Western State finished fourth after a final-round 73 to finish the tournament with a one-over-par 285 total. Jonathan Cox (AASU), Marc Peterson (Cal State Chico) and Blake Slaughter (St. Edward's) each finished tied for fifth individually with two-over-par 286 totals.

The win by the Pacers is the second straight and USC Aiken joins a list of eight other schools now as winners of two or more DII men's golf titles. The last school to win back-to-back titles was Florida Southern, who won three straight from 1998-2000. Burkhart is the first Pacer to earn medalist honors as well.

The Statesmen will return from the NCAA Championships Friday and will arrive at the Cleveland Airport some time in the late evening.

 

May 19, 2005

ROUND THREE IN THE BOOKS AT NCAA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS; DELTA STATE MOVES UP SEVEN SPOTS TO TENTH

SAVANNAH , Ga. - Top-ranked and defending DII national champion USC Aiken and host and No. 3-ranked Armstrong Atlantic State separated themselves from the field at the 2005 NCAA DII Men's Golf Championships at the Club at Savannah Harbor on Thursday, making it an apparent final-round duel between the two Peach Belt Conference schools for the National Championship. USC Aiken shot a one-under-par 283 and the Pacers ahead of the Pirates by four strokes.

The Delta State University Statesmen faired much better on Thursday firing a third-round 279, which proved to be the low score of the day. Clark Richardson (74-75-68) is in a tie for ninth place after Thursday’s 68. Richardson, a senior from Hot Springs , Ark. , has a three-round 217. Peir Roy fired a 72 on Thursday. Roy (75-72-72) is in the clubhouse with a 219 and he is currently tied for 25 th. Kevin Jones matched Richardson ’s 68 Thursday and is in 38 th place with a 222 (77-77-68). Rodney Boswell is in 84 th place with a 233 (78-80-75). Bryan Shumate is in 96 th place with a 237 (84-82-71).

“We had a great day out on the course Thursday,” stated DSU Head Coach Sam Dunning. “Hopefully, we will come out and perform like we did Thursday in tomorrow’s final.”

The second round, halted by darkness, was completed on early Thursday morning with USC Aiken holding a two-stroke lead over Northern Kentucky and Cal State Bakersfield. But only 10 strokes separated 11 schools when round three began at 9:30 a.m. under blue skies, and for the first time in this championship, a round was able to be completed in one day.

It didn't take long for the Pacers to extend their second-round lead with the one-under-par round, which featured a three-under-par 68 from junior Dane Burkhart and a one-under-par 70 from Casey Thompson. USC Aiken is gunning to become the first back-to-back NCAA DII Men's Golf champion
since Florida Southern won three straight titles from 1998-2000 and also become just the ninth school to win multiple titles.

The upstart Pirates - in just their fifth season of DII competition since reinstating the sport in 2000-01 - leapt two spots in the team standings by firing an even-par 284, featuring a four-under-par round from senior and Savannah native Chris Epperson. Epperson had six birdies in his round
and a triple bogey on the par-4 10th hole prevented him from tying the NCAA Championships low round of 64, set in 1992 by Martin Lonardi of Columbus State . The situation is familiar to both schools as the teams finished 1-2 in their last two tournaments - the 2005 Peach Belt
Conference Championships, which the Pacers won by eight strokes over the Pirates, and the 2005 NCAA Southeast Regional, which USC Aiken won by four strokes over AASU.

St. Edward's (292) and Hawaii Hilo (289) are tied for third in the team competition, 27-over-par and 14 strokes out of the lead. Cal State Bakersfield is 28-over-par in fifth place. Delta State carded the team round of the day with a five-under-par 279 and jumped seven places, moving
up from 17th to 10th.

Burkhart maintained his individual lead with his round of 68 and the junior holds a three-stroke lead over Nick Mason of Hawaii Hilo, who fired a four-under-par 67 to tie Epperson for the day's low round. Brice Garnett, the first-round leader, fired an even-par 71 and is in third, four strokes behind at one-under-par and the trio are the only golfers in the field with a par score or better.

In an effort to complete all 72 holes in the championship, the NCAA Committee has decided to start Friday's final round at 7:00 a.m. with a shotgun start, meaning all 105 players will play the course at the same time. The committee looked at all available options with the proposed weather forecast for the Savannah area and decided this was the most prudent course of action heading into the final round.

 

May 18, 2005

DAY TWO OF NCAA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS PLAGUED BY RAIN; STATESMEN TIED FOR 17TH AFTER TWO-ROUNDS

SAVANNAH, Ga. - A two and a half-hour rain delay in the midday kept the 2005 NCAA DII Men's Golf Championships backed up after the second day of competition. Players completed the rain-delayed first round early Wednesday morning, the second round saw only eight schools complete rounds before darkness halted play at 8:11 p.m. St. Edward's and Cal State Bakersfield, still out on the course as the sun set on Wednesday, are tied for the lead at 12-over-par, while Northern Kentucky is also still out on the course at 13-over-par. USC Aiken is in the clubhouse after a second-round 288 and is 14-over-par with a 582 total.

The Delta State University Statesmen continued to struggle with the Savannah Harbor Course on Wednesday despite some early signs of a rebound. DSU, tied for 13 th (304) heading into round two, could not find their swings in round two firing a 303. The Statesmen did improve by a stroke, but could not match the improvement of those around them.

Pier Roy, a senior from Quebec, Canada, led DSU with a second round 72. Roy (75-72-147) is currently tied for 36 th place after two rounds. Clark Richardson (74-75-149) is in a tie for 46 th place after dropping a stroke in round two. Kevin Jones, a sophomore from Crystal Springs, matched his first round 77 with an identical score in round two. Jones (77-77-154) is tied for 75 th place. Clarksdale’s Rodney Boswell is in 86 th place with a two-round (78-79) 157. Bryan Shumate improved by two strokes in round two firing an 82. Shumate (84-82-166) is in 105 th place.

When the final round one scores were counted in the morning, Northern Kentucky held onto its one-shot lead over St. Edward's with a three-over-par 287. But the second day belonged to top-ranked and defending DII national champion USC Aiken, who carded the day's best finished round on Wednesday. The leader-board is a tightly-packed affair with only 10 strokes separating 12 teams and many are still in the hunt with more than two holes to play.

Dane Burkhart led the Pacers and all golfers on Wednesday with a three-under-par 68 and is the clubhouse and overall leader with a three-under-par 139 total. Jeremiah Nelson was left out on the course on Wednesday with a two-under-par score through 16 holes, while first-round leader Brice Garnett of Missouri Western State is tied with two other players at one-under-par after shooting a 75 on Wednesday. Mark Baker of Cal State Bakersfield and Pablo Rosas of St. Edward's are both still out on the course at one-under-par as well.

Brad Conner of North Alabama, playing as an individual, had the best recovery of the day as he rebounded from a 14 on the par-five seventh hole to record a five-over-par 76 on the day - meaning he played the other 17 holes at a four-under-par clip.

Resumption of round two will begin at 6:45 a.m. eastern on Thursday morning, with the projected tee times for round three beginning at 9:30 a.m. after re-pairing of teams is completed.

 

May 17, 2005

INCLEMENT WEATHER HALTS NCAA DII GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS; DSU IN 13 TH

SAVANNAH, GA - Inclement weather halted first round of the 2005 NCAA DII Men's Golf Championships on Tuesday at the Club at Savannah Harbor in Savannah, Ga., with eight schools still out on the course. Northern Kentucky made it into the clubhouse with a three-over-par 287 on the par-71, 7,026-yard course, tied with Columbus State, who sits at three over par as well but was left out on the course when play was suspended. St. Edward's shot a 288 on Tuesday and is one shot behind, while host Armstrong Atlantic is tied for third at five-over-par after firing a 289 score, with St. Martin's left out on the course as well at five over.

Lightning halted play at 3:26 p.m. Eastern Time and rain showers moved in quickly, hovering over the area afterwards. Play was officially suspended for the day at 6:30 p.m. with resumption of round one to take place at 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

“This morning was tough for us on the course,” stated DSU Head Coach Sam Dunning. “The Savannah Harbor Course is very difficult and I hope the rain delay will help us refocus. I believe we will come out in better shape in the morning.”

The Delta State University Swinging Statesmen are currently tied for thirteenth place through 13 holes in round one. Clark Richardson, Pier Roy and Kevin Jones are all tied for 46 th place recording a three-over par through 13 holes. Rodney Boswell is four-over par and in 61 st place with Bryan Shumate rounding out the scoring in 86 th spot with a thirteen-over par.

Round two will be played on Wednesday as well with tee times pushed back one hour and 45 minutes. The first groups in round two will now tee off at 9:15 a.m.

With the stoppage of play and calm course conditions on Tuesday morning, teams scored well as eight schools that finished round one are within six strokes of the lead. Cal State Bakersfield and Washburn finished with 290 scores and are tied for sixth, while defending champion USC Aiken was one of the schools that did not complete its first round, sitting at nine-over-par with some players through 15 holes.

Individually, Brice Garnett of Missouri Western State went four-under-par through his first six holes, including an eagle-two on par-4 hole number 13 to lead, while Jeremiah Nelson of Washburn and Blake Slaughter of St. Edward's each shot three-under-par 68 scores to complete the first round as clubhouse leaders.

 

May 4, 2005

SWINGING STATESMEN ADVANCE TO NCAA DII GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH SECOND PLACE FINISH AT NCAA REGIONAL

VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Delta State University Swinging Statesmen used the top score from the final round of competition (294) to advance to finish second in the NCAA South Regional at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Club.

The Statesmen (291-300-294-885) finished behind the Rollins College Tars (285-290-295-870) and ahead of Lynn University (291-294-304-889). Barry University (296-295-301-892) finished fourth with Florida Southern College (293-301-300-894) rounding out the top five in the South Regional.

The Statesmen have guaranteed themselves a trip to the NCAA Division II Golf Championship Final with their performance this weekend. The champion from each region within the Super Regional advance and the next three lowest scores regardless of region advance as well. The Statesmen (885) will join Rollins (South Champion), Central Oklahoma (South-Central Champion), Lynn University (889), and St. Edward’s (890) in the Championships May 17-20 at Savannah Harbor Golf Club in Savannah, Ga.

“We finished strong and I was very proud of that. This is an extremely tough course and conditions were not at their best,” stated DSU Head Coach Sam Dunning. “However, we persevered and are extremely excited about Savannah. Kevin played very well and I believe we can carry this momentum into the finals.”

Kevin Jones nearly claimed the South Regional Individual Title, but fell just short. The sophomore from Crystal Springs finished second individually with a three-round (-4) 212. Jones recorded rounds of 69-75-68 and finished two strokes behind UNA’s Brad Conner (210).

Clark Richardson finished in a ninth place tie with a 221 (71-77-73), while Bryan Shumate came in eighteenth with a 224 (74-74-76). Pier Roy finished tied for 31 st posting a 229 (78-74-77) with Rodney Boswell rounding out the scoring turning in a 238 (77-79-82) for 45 th place.

The Statesmen will return home Thursday and begin preparing immediately for the NCAA Championships.

 

May 3, 2005

SWINGING STATESMEN TIED FOR THIRD AT
NCAA SOUTH REGIONAL

VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Delta State University Swinging Statesmen Golf team is currently in a tie for third place after the second round of the NCAA South/South-Central Super Regional at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Club. The Statesmen were tied for second after Monday’s first round.

The Statesmen have posted a two round total of 591 (+15). DSU recorded a first round 291 on Monday and posted a 300 in Tuesday’s second round. Delta State continues to trail the Rollins College Tars (-1). The Tars lead the Statesmen by 16-strokes (575) and second place Lynn (585) by eight strokes.

Kevin Jones, a sophomore from Crystal Springs, is currently at even par and tied for third place with a two-round 144 (69-75). Jones turned in a second round 75 on Tuesday. Bryan Shumate and Clark Richardson are tied for 17 th after Tuesday’s round. Shumate (74-74) and Richardson (71-77) have posted identical cards of 148. Pier Roy is tied for 31 st with a 152 (78-74) and Rodney Boswell is in 42 nd spot with a 156 (77-79) total.

The third and final round of the NCAA South/South-Central Super Regional will be played Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta, Ga. The regional winner and the top three team scores will advance to the NCAA Championship May 17-21 at the Savannah Harbor Golf Club in Savannah, Ga.

 

May 2, 2005

STATESMEN SECOND AFTER FIRST ROUND AT THE NCAA SOUTH/SOUTH-CENTRAL SUPER REGIONAL

VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Delta State University Swinging Statesmen are currently tied for second place after the first round of the NCAA South/South-Central Super Regional Monday at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Club.

The Statesmen finished day one with a team 291 (+3). Delta State is currently tied with Lynn University. Both teams trails the Rollins College Tars. The Tars shot an impressive three under-par 285 for the first round.

Kevin Jones, a sophomore from Crystal Springs, led the Statesmen with a three under-par 69. Jones is currently tied for second place individually at the Regional. Andrew Pranger of Rollins College shot an identical 69 on Monday.

Clark Richardson shot a (-1) 71 in the first round Monday at Kinderlou Forest. He is tied for seventh individually. Bryan Shumate shot a 74 (+2) to finish in 19th place, while Rodney Boswell turned in a 77 (+5). Pier Roy finished the scoring for the Statesmen with a six over par 78.

Round two of the NCAA South/South-Central Super Regional will begin at 10 a.m. EST on Tuesday at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta, Ga. For live up-to-date stats follow the link above to www.golfstat.com's coverage.

April 24, 2005

SWINGING STATESMEN HEADED TO NCAA GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

CLEVELAND – Coach Sam Dunning and the 2005 Gulf South Conference Champion Delta State University Golf team received good news Saturday as the Statesmen were seeded fourth in the upcoming NCAA South Super Regional. The South Super Regional will be played at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Valdosta, Ga. May 2-4, 2004.

"We are extremely excited about the upcoming regional,” stated DSU Head Coach Sam Dunning. “The Kinderlou Forest course is a tough one, but our guys have played there once already this season” Dunning added, “This will be a tremendous challenge, but the team is ready.”

The Statesmen are coming off quite a memorable week. On Tuesday, the Statesmen claimed the program’s first-ever Gulf South Conference Men’s Team Championship. DSU defeated West Florida by six strokes for the title. The University of West Florida and Valdosta State, two of the Gulf South Conference’s finest, will join the Statesmen in Valdosta, Ga.

Rollins College is the top seed headed into the South Super Regional. The Argonauts of West Florida are seeded second with Lynn University third. GSC Champion Delta State is seeded fourth followed by Florida Southern College and Barry University. Sunshine State Athletic Conference Champion Nova Southeastern is seeded seventh with host Valdosta State seeded eighth.

Five individuals were also selected for the NCAA South Super Regionals. University of Tampa senior Brian Ward, Nick Quast and Brent Wilson of Arkansas Tech, and James Porter (GSC Medalist) and Brad Conner of North Alabama were named to the tournament field.

A total of 80 teams and 50 individuals were selected for the NCAA Division II National Championship Golf Tournament. The top team from each region within the super regional and the top individual not with a team from each super regional (regardless of region) will advance to the finals May 17-20 at The Club at Savannah Harbor in Savannah, Georgia. The finals will be hosted by Armstrong Atlantic State University.

Ten additional teams will earn berths to the finals. These teams will be determined based on the previous three-year average of top-10 finishes of a super regional at the finals. For the 2005 championships, the additional super regional allotments are as follows: Atlantic/Southeast – Three, South/South Central – Three, West/Northwest – Four.

The Statesmen will travel to Valdosta, Ga. on Saturday, April 30 in preparation for the South Regional. Practice rounds are scheduled for Sunday, May 1 with the Tournament starting on Tuesday, May 2.

 

April 19, 2005

STATESMEN CLAIM FIRST GSC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – For 16 years, Delta State University Head Golf Coach Sam Dunning has guided one of the most successful programs in the Gulf South Conference. The only thing missing for Dunning and his Statesmen has been a GSC Men’s team championship. On Tuesday in Hot Springs, Ark. Coach Dunning scratched that off his to-do list, as the Statesmen claimed the program’s first-ever GSC title.

Delta State finished with a three-round 864, edging out the University of West Florida Argonauts by six strokes. Central Arkansas (877) finished third with Arkansas Tech (881) and Valdosta State (882) rounding out the top five.

"I am extremely proud of our team,” stated Coach Dunning. "When we got down our guys knew what had to be done. They found that little extra when we needed it!” Coach Dunning added, “Kevin Jones played a great tournament and our seniors really did a great job of leading the team in the last two rounds.”

Delta State used a second round 279 to take a 10-stroke lead into Tuesday’s final round. Conditions Tuesday on the Arlington Course at the Hot Springs Country Club were ideal. The Statesmen fired a final round 291 to claim the title. West Florida recorded the low round on the day (281), but it was not enough to catch Delta State.

North Alabama’s James Porter claimed the Individual Championship with a three round 210 (71-67-72). Delta State’s Kevin Jones finished second with a 213 (75-68-70). The Crystal Springs native claimed the GSC Individual Championship last season.

The Statesmen placed four golfers in the top 10 led by Jones. Rodney Boswell, a junior from Clarksdale, finished eighth with a 217 (73-69-75). Pier-Andre Roy (75-71-72), a senior from Quebec, and Clark Richardson (73-71-74), a senior from Hot Springs, Ark., finished in a ninth place tie with a 218. Bryan Shumate finished in 27 th place with a 227 (73-77-78) to round out the scoring for the Statesmen.

In the 32 year history of the GSC Men’s Golf Championships, Delta State University has never claimed a team title until Tuesday. However, the Statesmen can lay claim to four Individual Champions. Kevin Jones (2004), Alan McAfee (2000), David Poole (1996) and Jamie Easley (1993) all claimed GSC Individual Championships while at DSU.

The Statesmen are currently awaiting the NCAA Regional selection process and are preparing for the upcoming Regional May 2-4, 2005 at a yet to be determined site.

Final GSC Men’s Championship Results

1. Delta State U. 294 279 291 864 E

2. West Florida, U. of 294 295 281 870 +6

3. Central Arkansas 288 295 294 877 +13

4. Arkansas Tech Univ. 299 285 297 881 +17

5. Valdosta St. U. 291 295 296 882 +18

6. North Alabama, U. of 302 292 301 895 +31

7. West Georgia, U. of 315 290 293 898 +34

8. Montevallo, U. of 310 300 303 913 +49

8.Henderson St. Univ. 312 305 296 913 +49

10. Lincoln Memorial U. 303 309 320 932 +68

 

April 18, 2005

STATESMEN BLISTER COURSE FOR 10-STROKE LEAD AT GSC CHAMPIONSHIP

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The Delta State University Statesmen Golf team fired a two round total of 573 (294-279) to take a 10-stroke lead into the final round of the Gulf South Conference Golf Championship at the Hot Springs Country Club Arlington Course.

The Statesmen trailed Central Arkansas by six strokes heading into the second round on Monday. Delta State improved its’ first round score by 15 strokes to finish with a 279. Rodney Boswell (73-69) and Kevin Jones (75-68) recorded rounds of 69 (-3) and 68 (-4) respectively. Boswell, a junior from Clarksdale, is currently in second place with a 142. Jones, the defending GSC Individual Champion, is in third with a 143.

Clark Richardson (73-71), a senior from Hot Springs, Ark., finished in a tie for seventh with a 144. Pier-Andre Roy (75-71) checked in with a two-round 146. The Quebec, Canada native is currently in 11 th place. Bryan Shumate rounded out the scoring for DSU. Shumate (73-77) is currently in 20 th spot with a 150.

Central Arkansas is in second place (583), followed by Arkansas Tech (584), the defending GSC Champions, in third. Valdosta State (586) and West Florida (589) rounded out the top five.

Delta State University has never claimed a GSC Championship in men’s golf. In the 32 year history of the GSC Championships, DSU has four individual champions. Kevin Jones (2004), Alan McAfee (2000), David Poole (1996) and Jamie Easley (1993) have all brought home the trophy under Coach Sam Dunning.

The third and final round of the Gulf South Conference Championship will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the Hot Springs Country Club Arlington Course in Hot Springs, Ark.

 

April 12, 2005

SWINGING STATESMEN VAULT INTO NATION’S TOP 10

CLEVELAND – The Delta State University Statesmen (171-7) Golf team climbed into the Golfstat Top-10 at No. 6 on Monday. The Statesmen have had a solid spring and they are poised for a return trip to the NCAA Golf Championships. It is the second time this season that DSU has been ranked in the top 10. During the fall, Delta State held the No. 1 spot for three weeks.

"We are very excited about the ranking this week,” stated DSU Head Coach Sam Dunning. “The guys have worked so hard and are in great shape heading into the conference tournament next week.”

The University of South Carolina-Aiken (178-0) is ranked No. 1 this week by Golfstat. Central Oklahoma (176-2) comes in at No. 2 with CSU-Bakersfield (175-3), Rollins College (174-4), and Armstrong-Atlantic State (175-3) round out the top five. The No. 10 University of West Florida Argonauts (169-9) is the only other Gulf South Conference team ranked in the top 10.

Delta State has claimed tournament victories at six events this season and head into the Gulf South Conference Tournament as one of the favorites to take home the title. The GSC Championships will be held in Hot Springs , Ark. on April 18-19, 2005 at the Hot Springs Country Club.

Last season, Delta State fell one stroke short of the conference crown, but Kevin Jones claimed the GSC Individual Championship for DSU. The sophomore from Crystal Springs is looking to give Coach Dunning his fifth individual title as Head Coach at DSU.

 

April 6, 2005

STATESMEN FINISH FOURTH AT VALDOSTA STATE'S SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE CLASSIC

COLUMBUS, Ga. – The Delta State University Statesmen Golf team finished fourth at the Valdosta State University Southern Intercollegiate Tournament Tuesday at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Club.

Armstrong Atlantic State shot a final round of seven over 295 to win the Southeastern Collegiate by six shots over Rollins. The Pirates finished with a 16-over 884 after three trips around Kinderlou Forest's 7289-yard layout.

Rollins College finished second with an 890 (295-300-295). The Argonauts of the University of West Florida placed third with an 897 (306-296-295). Delta State (296-299-304) and Barry University (307-298-294) finished tied for fourth with an 899 total.

The Statesmen were led by Clark Richardson’s three round 222 (70-75-77). The senior from Hot Springs, Ark. finished in ninth place. Bryan Shumate finished 15 th with a 224 (76-74-74), while Pier-Andre Roy placed 21 st with a 225 (72-75-78). Kevin Jones finished 36 th recording a 228 (78-75-75), while Rodney Boswell finished 79 th with a 240 (80-79-81).

Coach Sam Dunning and the Statesmen will take the next week off in preparation for the upcoming Gulf South Conference Golf Championships to be held in Hot Springs, Ark.

 

April 5, 2005

SWINGING STATESMEN IN SECOND AT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE

COLUMBUS, Ga. – The No. 14 Delta State University Men’s Golf team is currently in a second place tie after the first two rounds of the Valdosta State University Southern Intercollegiate Classic at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Columbus, Ga.

The Statesmen fired a 595 (296-299) and are currently tied with Rollins College (295-300) for second. The tandem trails Armstrong Atlantic State University (589) by six strokes headed into the second and final day of competition.

Delta State’s Clark Richardson is currently fourth overall with a 145 (70-75) and Pier-Andre Roy is eighth with a two-round 147 (72-75). Bryan Shumate is in 21st place after a 150 (76-74) on Monday. Kevin Jones shot a 153 (78-75) good for 39th and Rodney Boswell recorded a 159 (80-79) to close out the scoring for Delta State.

Dan Walters of Rollins College, Josh Tompkins of Valdosta State and Jonathon Cox of Armstrong Atlantic all recorded a 144 on Monday and the lead the race for the individual title. DSU’s Clark Richardson and Barry’s Nick Gillaspy are one stroke off the lead.

The final round begins Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Club in Columbus, Ga. The Statesmen will return home following the event to begin preparations for the upcoming Gulf South Conference Golf Tournament. The GSC Championship will be held April 18-19, 2005 in Hot Springs, Ark.

 

March 29, 2005

SWINGING STATESMEN RALLY FOR EIGHT-STROKE WIN

CABOT, Ark. – The Delta State University Statesmen golf team rallied from four strokes down on Tuesday to claim their second tournament in a row at the University of Central Arkansas Intercollegiate Classic. The tournament was played at the Greystone Country Club Course in Cabot , Ark.

Arkansas Tech led after the first two rounds with a 598, while the Statesmen posted a 602. Tuesday’s rounds proved to be much better for the Statesmen, as DSU fired a 291 to claim the tournament with a three-round 893. Arkansas Tech turned in a team 303 to finish with a 901, eight strokes behind the Statesmen.

Individually, the Statesmen did not have the tournament winner, but placed four golfers in the top-10. Peir-Andre Roy barely missed out on the overall tournament title with a 219 (2 nd). Kevin Jones (5 th), Rodney Boswell (7 th) and Clark Richardson (t-9 th) rounded out Delta State ’s top-10 finishers. Bryan Shumate finished 12 th with a 231.

The Statesmen also had two golfers competing individually. Lee Rhodus, a freshman from Tylertown, turned in his best card to date with a 229. The Parklane Academy standout finished tied for ninth. Matt Sellers also played well. The Senatobia native finished tied for 17 th with a 237.

The Statesmen return to action next Monday at the Valdosta State University Blazer Invitational. The two day event will be played on Kinderlou Forest Golf Club Course in Columbus , Ga. For more information, log on to www.valdosta.edu.

2005 UCA Intercollegiate Results
March 28-29, 2005 • Greystone CC • Cabot , Ark.

1. DELTA STATE (296-306-291-893)
2. Pier Roy (76-74-69-219)
t-5. Kevin Jones (71-79-74-224)
7. Rodney Boswell (75-78-73-226)
t-9. Clark Richardson (74-79-76-229)
12. Bryan Shumate (81-75-75-231)

2. ARKANSAS TECH (296-302-303-901)
3. CENTRAL ARKANSAS (306-298-307-911)
4. COLORADO-COLORADO SPRINGS (317-307-318-942)
5. OUACHITA BAPTIST (315-319-325-959)
6. ARKANSAS TECH B (331-310-328-969)
7. HENDERSON STATE (328-326-323-977)
8. HARDING (334-320-329-983)
t-9. OUACHITA BAPTIST B (341-322-663)
t-9. UA-MONTICELLO (338-328-330-996)
11. SOUTHERN ARKANSAS (332-325-345-1,002)
12. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS (351-326-326-1,003)
14. HENDRIX (390-356-353-1,099)
15. LYON COLLEGE (394-359-365-1,118)

INDIVIDUALS
t-9. Lee Rhodus, DSU (78-76-75-229)
t-17. Matt Sellers, DSU ( 80-81-76-237)

 

March 28, 2005

ATU LEADS UCA INVITATIONAL, STATESMEN SECOND

CONWAY , Ark. - Arkansas Tech University is in the lead after the first two rounds of the University of Central Arkansas Intercollegiate tournament being played at Greystone Country Club's Cypress Creek Course.

Tech shot a 296-302-598 to lead by four strokes over Delta State (296-308-602) and by seven strokes over UCA (306-299-605). Colorado Springs is fourth at 624, followed by Ouachita Baptist (634), ATU B (641), Henderson State (654), Harding (654), Southern Arkansas (657), OBU B (663), Arkansas-Monticello (666), Christian Brothers (677), Hendrix (746) and Lyon (753).

ATU's Nick Quast shot 72-73_145 to take the first day lead. UCA's Kobus Erasmus (74-72) and ATU's Brent Wilson (71-75) tied at 146, followed by Tech's Bryon Thom (73-74-147).

Jordan Short shot 74-78-152 for UCA, while Daniel Haughian had 76-75-153, Mauricio Galeno had 81-74-155 and Ryan Lecuyer shot 80-78-158.

1. ARKANSAS TECH (296-302-598)
Nick Quast 71- 73- 145
Brent Wilson 71- 75- 146
Bryon Thom 73- 74- 147
Ben Sanders 80- 80- 160
Luke Calcatera 80- 84- 164

2. DELTA STATE (296-308-602)
Kevin Jones 71 79 150
Pier Roy 76 74 150
Rodney Boswell 75 78 153
Clark Richardson 74-79 153
Bryan Shumate 81 75 156

3. CENTRAL ARKANSAS (306-299-605)
4. COLORADO SPRINGS (317-307-624)
5. OUACHITA BAPTIST (315-319-634)
6. ATU ŒB¹ (331-310-641)
7. HENDERSON STATE (328-326-654)
7. HARDING (334-320-654)
10. SOUTHERN ARKANSAS (332-325-657)
11. OBU ŒB¹ (341-322-663)
12. UA-MONTICELLO (338-328-666)
13. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS (351-326-677)
14. HENDRIX (390-356-746)
15. LYON COLLEGE (394-359-753)

March 22, 2005

STATESMEN TAKE ATU COLLEGIATE CLASSIC

DANVILLE, Ark. --- Delta State University won its second consecutive men's Arkansas Tech Collegiate Golf Classic championship on Tuesday, clipping the University of Central Arkansas by a single stroke to win the eighth annual event at Chamberlyne Country Club.

After sharing the first-round lead with UCA, Delta State posted a team total of 293 on Tuesday for a 36-hole score of 589. The Bears shot 294 on Tuesday and claimed the runner-up spot with a total of 590.

Central Missouri State finished in third place at 591 after registering a team score of 292 during the final round, while tournament host Arkansas Tech shot 297 for a second consecutive day and finished in sole possession of fourth place with a 36-hole total of 594.

Arkansas Tech's ‘B' team (5th, 606), Henderson State (6th, 625), Ouachita Baptist (7th, 627), Southern Arkansas (8th, 656), Ouachita Baptist's ‘B' team (9th, 669) and Arkansas-Monticello (10th, 677) rounded out the team standings.

UCA's Daniel Haughian won the Arkansas Tech Collegiate Golf Classic individual championship for the second time in three years. He shot 70-72 for a 2-under par total of 142 and a three-stroke victory.

Pier-Andre Roy and Clark Richardson of Delta State and Adam Frank of Central Missouri State all shared second place with matching totals of 1-over 145. Tech's Bryon Thom took fifth place with a 36-hole score of 146. Thom shot 72 on Monday and finished with a 74 on Tuesday.

March 22, 2005

STATESMEN GOLFERS IN 1ST PLACE TIE AFTER DAY ONE OF ATU COLLEGIATE CLASSIC

DANVILLE, Ark. - The first round of the Arkansas Tech University Collegiate Classic is in the books with the Delta State University Statesmen in a first-place tie with UCA. The Statesmen and Bears fired a first round 296 on Monday. The tournament is being played at the Chamberlyne Country Club in Danville, Ark. The Chamberlyne is known to be one of the most prestine courses in all of Arkansas.

Kevin Jones, currently in second place individually, paced the Statesmen with a first round 71. Pier-Andre Roy, Rodney Boswell and Clarke Richardson are seventh after all three recorded a first round 75. Bryan Shumate rounded out the scoring for DSU with a 77, which was good for 19th overall.

The second and final round of action begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

For more information, log on to www.athletics.atu.edu.

March 8, 2005

STATESMEN GOLFERS SIXTH AFTER FIRST TWO ROUNDS OF THE BARRY BUCCANEER INVITATIONAL

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – The first two rounds are complete in the Barry University Buccaneer Invitational at the Hillcrest Country Club and the Delta State University Statesmen are currently in sixth place. The Statesmen fired rounds of 292 and 291 for a total of 583. The University of North Alabama (566) is currently the tournament leader.

Kevin Jones, a sophomore from Crystal Springs, paced the Statesmen with a 141 (72-69 through two rounds. Jones is currently in seventh place overall. Clark Richardson, a senior from Hot Springs, Ark., is in 22 nd place with a 146 (74-72).

Bryan Shumate stands in 35 th spot for the Statesmen after recording a 149 (75-74). Pier-Andre Roy, a senior from Quebec, Ontario posted a 150 (71-79) and is currently in 39 th position. Rodney Boswell, a junior from Clarksdale, rounded out the scoring for the Statesmen with a 152 (76-76). Boswell is in 50 th place.

Team standings after the first two rounds are as follows:

Fin. Top 20 Teams Scores
1 North Alabama, U. of 283 283 566
2 Johnson & Wales U-FL 284 286 570
3 Lynn University 287 285 572
4 Barry University 285 293 578
5 St. Edward's U. 295 287 582
6 Delta State U. 292 291 583
7 Nova Southeastern U. 288 296 584
8 Florida Gulf Coast U 295 292 587
9 Pfeiffer University 294 295 589
9 Central Arkansas 289 300 589
11 Eckerd College 293 304 597
12 St. Andrews Presby. 297 304 601
13 St. Leo University 297 309 606
14 Washburn University 305 309 614
15 Northern Kentucky U. 313 307 620

The University of North Alabama’s Brad Conner and St. Edward’s Blake Slaughter are currently the tournament leaders. UNA’s Conner and SEU’s Slaughter fired identical rounds today of 69 and 67 for a two-round total of 136.

The final round of the Barry University Buccaneer Invitational concludes Tuesday, March 8 th at the Hillcrest Country Club in Hollywood, Fla.

December 9, 2004

RICHARDSON AND ROY NAMED FOREMAN SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS FOR 2004-05

CLEVELAND - Every year Coach Sam Dunning has the pleasure of presenting a current Statesmen golfer with a scholarship named after one of Delta State's all-time great coaches, Derrall Foreman.

The scholarship is awarded by the Derrall and Nell Foreman Annual Golf Scholarship Fund created by former Statesmen golfer Doug Murphy.

The Derrall and Nell Foreman Golf Scholarship is to be awarded to a member of the Delta State golf team. The recipient is to be selected by members of the Delta State golf coaching staff.

The scholarship recipient may have the scholarship renewed on an annual basis if the recipient remains in good academic standing and is recommended for renewal by the coaching staff.

Coach Dunning stated, "It would be impossible for me to express how much I appreciate the contributions of Doug Murphy to our program. His generosity allows us to field a competitive team and at the same time honors the proud tradition of DSU golf."

The 2004-05 recipients have proved themselves on the course and in the classroom. Peir Andre Roy claimed individual titles in three of DSU's tournaments this season. The aviation major from Quebec, Canada, missed out another title losing in a playoff to fellow Statesmen Clark Richardson.

Clark Richardson, a senior from Hot Springs, Ark., has been a standout performer for Coach Dunning over the last four years. He has consistently scored well for the Statesmen and he claimed one individual title this fall. How fitting that his one tournament victory came at the Derrall Foreman Classic hosted by Delta State University.

"These young men mean so much to this program and it is with great pride that they were awarded this scholarship this season," says Coach Dunning.

The Statesmen finished the fall portion of their schedule ranked No.9 in America. DSU claimed wins in four of five tournaments played.

Delta State returns to action on March 7th and 8th at the Barry University Invitational in Hollywood, Fla. The tournament will be played on one of America's top golf courses, the Hillcrest Country Club course.

 

October 18 2004

DSU GOLF RELEASES SPRING SCHEDULE

CLEVELAND - Coach Sam Dunning and the Delta State University golf team released the schedule for the remainder of the year today. The Statesmen claimed victories in four of their fall tournaments and head into the spring portion of their schedule as one of the nation's most formidable golf programs.

Coach Dunning stated, "We were blessed with exceptional leadership and play from Pier-Andre Roy. He had individual titles at three events and tied for another, but lost it in a playoff." Dunning added, "All five of our guys scored tremendously well, and I believe it will carry over to the spring."

The Statesmen claimed victories at the OBU Invitational at Belvedere Country Club in Hot Springs, Ark., the UCA/Bank One Classic at Centennial Country Club in Conway, Ark., the Darrell Foreman Classic at the Cleveland Country Club, and the UNA Invitational at Ross Creek in Savannah, Tennessee.

According to Dunning, "The spring schedule will be just as challenging as the fall." The spring schedule is listed below.

March 7-8 Hillcrest Country Club - Hollywood, Fla.
Barry University Invitational

March 21-22 Chamberlyne Golf Club - Danville, Ark.
Arkansas Tech University Classic

March 28-29 Greystone Country Club - Cabot, Ark. University of Central Arkansas Invitational

April 4-5 Kinderlou Forest - Valdosta, Ga.
Valdosta State University Classic

April 18-19 Hot Springs Country Club - Hot Springs, Ark.
GSC Tournament

May 2-4 NCAA Regional - TBA

May 17-20 Club of Savannah Harbor - Savannah, Ga.
NCAA Championships

 

October 13, 2004

DSU 1ST AT UNA INVITATIONAL

CLEVELAND - The Delta State University Statesmen golf team proved to be the only squad able to tame the Ross Creek Country Club this week at the University of North Alabama Invitational. The Statesmen were the only school competing to score a round below 300. DSU posted rounds of 298 and 287 finishing with a 585 (+9). The closest competitor was 25-strokes behind.

Pier-Andre Roy claimed his third individual tournament victory of the season. The junior posted scores of 72 and 70 (142) to finish three strokes ahead of teammate Kevin Jones (75-70-145). Clark Richardson finished fifth with a 149 (76-73). Rodney Boswell tied for tenth with a 153 (75-78), and Lee Rhodus placed 18th with a 156 (76-80). Matt Sellers closed out the scoring for DSU posting a 22nd place finish with a 159 (85-74).

Coach Sam Dunning stated, "This was a big win for us. Our guys have played well, and I see continued improvement each week." This tournament concluded the fall portion of the DSU golf schedule. The spring schedule will be released soon.

 

October 6, 2004

DSU 6TH AT CSU INVITATIONAL

COLUMBUS, Ga. - The Delta State University Statesmen golf team brought home a sixth place finish in the Columbus State University AFLAC/Cougar Invitational. The Statesmen scored a three round total of 888, finishing behind tournament winner USC-Aiken's 862.

Three Statesmen finished among the top-25 golfers, and all five placed in the top-75. Kevin Jones placed 18th in the tournament. He led the way for DSU with rounds of 69-74-78 for a total of 221. Pier-Andre Roy came in 21st with rounds of 72-77-73 to finish with a 222. Clark Richardson took 24th spot with a three round total of 223. Richardson tallied rounds of 75-73-75. Matt Sellers placed 40th with totals of 77-75-74 to finish with a 226, and Rodney Boswell came in 71st with scores of 73-77-83 for a total of 233.

A total of 18 teams and over 100 golfers competed in the event. Coach Sam Dunning stated, "This is always one of the tournaments we have selected each year. Some of the top teams in NCAA II competes here each year and I believe we played exceptionally well on a very tough course."

The Statesmen complete the fall portion of their schedule October 11-12, 2004 at the UNA Invitational. The UNA Invitational will be played at the Ross Creek Country Club in Florence, Alabama.

Final team scores from the AFLAC/Cougar Invitational:
1 South Carolina-Aiken (292-285-285-862)
2 Florida Gulf Coast U (294-287-285-866)
3 Valdosta St. U. (296-283-295-874)
4 Georgia Coll & St. U (292-289-299-880)
5 Armstrong Atlantic (292-296-294-882)
6 Delta State U. (289-299-300-888)
6 Barry University (295-297-296-888)
8 Pfeiffer University (304-294-299-897)
9 Columbus State U. (304-300-294-898)
9 N. Car. - Pembroke (299-293-306-898)
11 Carson-Newman Coll. (297-295-308-900)
12 Barton College (299-303-301-903)
13 Kennesaw St. Univ. (308-303-293-904)
13 West Georgia (301-300-303-904)
15 Presbyterian College (301-301-303-905)
16 Francis Marion U. (306-306-298-910)
17 Clayton Col & St. U. (306-305-308-919)
18 North Greenville Co. (306-303-312-921)

October 2, 2004

STATESMEN CAN LAY CLAIM TO DERRAL FOREMAN INVITATIONAL

Cleveland- The Delta State University Golf Team turned in two excellent rounds of work, during the Derrall Foreman Invitational. The Statesmen claimed the overall title by more than twenty strokes.

Lewis University trailed Delta State by only one shot when the first round came to an end. Delta State dropped their score form 290 to 273, in the second round. The Statesmen finished the tournament 20 strokes ahead of the nearest competition.

Clark Richardson edged out fellow Statesmen, Pier-Andre Roy, for the individual championship in a playoff. Richardson shot a 72-64-136. Roy turned in 68-68-136.

Delta State University Individual performances:
1. Clarke Richardson (72-64-136)
2. Pier-Andre Roy (68-68-136)
7. Rodney Boswell (75-67-142)
22. Kevin Jones (75-74-149)
29. Lee Rhodus (76-75-151)
40. Matt Sellers (79-76-155)

Team scores were as follows:
1. Delta State (290-273-563)
2. University of Mobile (294-289-583)
3. Arkansas Tech University (293-292-585)
4. Lewis University (291-297-588)
5. Lindenwood University (299-291-590)
6. Lindenwood College (296-297-593)
6. University of North Alabama (299-294-593)
8. Henderson State University (301-295-596)
9. Arkansas Tech University (B) (310-303-613)
10. Ouachita Baptist University (305-313-618)
11. Union University (317-303-620)
12. University of Montevallo (315-306-321)
13. Southern Arkansas University (319-305-624)
14. Millsaps College (318-310-628)
15. Mississippi College (325-320-645)

STATESMEN BLISTER COURSE, CRUISE TO VICTORY AT UCA

CONWAY, ARK. - The Delta State University golf team used a second day surge to cruise to victory at the First State Bank/UCA Classic in Conway.

Delta State held a one stroke lead over UCA heading into second round play. The Statesmen scored a remarkable 283 in the second round to win the tournament by 13 strokes.

Pierre Roy claimed his second-straight tournament victory with a two-round total of 140 (70-70). Roy claimed the prize over fellow Statesmen, Kevin Jones, by one stroke.

Team Scores:
1. DSU 294-293-577
2. UCA 295-295-590
3. ATU 300-305-605
4. ECU 305-305-610
5. OBU 311-300-611
6. HSU 310-310-620
6. Newman 310-310-620
8. CBU 317-311-628
9. HU 320-311-631
10. LC 350-361-711

DSU Individual Scores:
1. Pier-Andre Roy (70-70-140, -4)
2. Kevin Jones (72-69-141, -3)
7. Clark Richardson (74-73-147, +3)
11. Matt Sellers (78-72-150, +6)
12. Rodney Boswell (79-72-151, +7)
55. Lee Rhodus (78-86-164, +20)