By Rob Schabert, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The most veteran player on the roster, senior Mitch Thomas earned his third Top 10 finish of the season Tuesday and helped the Tennessee Tech men's golf team hold onto fourth place in the 12-team Grover Page Classic.
Thomas closed out the tournament with a two-under-par 70 Tuesday to wrap up the 54-hole tournament at 216 and place in a three-way tie for 10th in the 73-player field. The Golden Eagles, who opened the day tied for fourth with Murray State, edged the Racers by one stroke with an 872 team total, shooting 291 in Tuesday's final tour of the Jackson Country Club.
Arkansas State ran away with the team title, shooting 18-under 846 for a 10-shot difference over runnerup Southern Illinois (856). Host UT Martin (861) was third, while the Golden Eagles (872) placed fourth and Murray State 873) capped the Top 5.
Nichols State (876) led off the next five, followed by New Orleans (886), Samford (888), Tennessee State (908), Union (915), John A. Logan College (915) and Jackson State (929.
Thomas, who is starting to develop a name for himself as "Mr. Consistent" carded 37 pars in the 54-hole event, ranking fourth among all players for most holes in par. He shots rounds Monday of 75 and 71, before improving to his final round 70 on Tuesday.
Freshman Matthew Giles, who ranked fifth in the field in par 5 scoring, closed the event with a final round 74 to finish at 218 and tie for 12th place. He shot 73 and 71 on Monday.
Seniors Neil Gannaway and Bryce Kendrick were next for Tech, tied for 22nd overall. Gannaway shot a final round 75 and Kendrick finished with a 72 as each finished at 219. Kendrick led Tech with 13 birdies, ranking seventh in that category. Ben Huskey wrapped up with a 76, tying for 59th place at 233.
Two Golden Eagles competed as individuals. A.J. Wilkerson tied for 54th place with 77-78-77—232, while Alexander Riddle would up 72nd at 81-91-74—246.
Individual medalist honors went to Andrew Huseman of Arkasnas State, who posted scores of 69-70-68 for a 207 total, claiming a one-stroke victory over Preston French of Murray State.
Next up for the Golden Eagles will be their own Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate, hosted by Tennessee Tech at Sevierville Golf Course Sunday through Tuesday (March 20-22).
