By Rob Schabert, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – At first glance, it appears that the Tennessee Tech men's golf team opened the Bobby Nichols Intercollegiate Sunday in a tough spot. The Golden Eagles are tied for eighth in the 12-team tournament.
But upon a little closer inspection of the standings, coach Polk Brown's team isn't in such bad shape, after all. Ten of the 12 teams are all within striking distance of first-round leader Murray State with two full rounds remaining Monday and Tuesday at the River Course of the Sevierville Golf Club.
To be sure, Tech and the others have a task ahead of them after the Racers posted the only sub-par team total over the opening 18 holes, carding a six-under 282. Oakland and Western Kentucky are tied for second place, at even par 288, while Southern Illinois and Wright State are one shot back at 289 and one-over par.
The logjam continues with Austin Peay (290) in sixth place, followed by Carson-Newman (292), Tech and Jacksonville State (296), and Samford (298) in the Top 10. Tennessee State (305) and Evansville (310) complete the field.
Senior Mitch Thomas paced Tech on Sunday with a 71 to place in a tie for 10th individually. Senior Neil Gannaway and sophomore A.J. Wilkerson are next at 74 and tied for 31st place. Tech's fourth score came from senior Bryce Kendrick with a 77, while freshman Matthew Giles completed the roster, carding a 78.
Tech also has two players listed among the individuals in the 78-player field. Freshman Benjamin Huskey fired a 74 and sophomore ALexander Riddle posted a 78.
Preston French of Murray State and Blake Smith of Western Kentucky are tied for the tournament lead after each shot a five-under 67.
With frost expected to blanket the course overnight, Monday's second round is being delayed until a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start.
