News

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio - The Mount Vernon Nazarene University men's golf team will head out this weekend for Seneca, South Carolina, where the Cougars will take part in the 2002 National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament on Monday and Tuesday.

MVNU, which has posted a 20-1 record this fall and won two consecutive tournaments, will be part of the tournament field that will compete at Cross Creek Plantation Golf Club, a par-72, 6,700-yard course with a 73.4 rating and a slope of 137.

"We are really excited about playing for a national title," said MVNU head coach Mike Meeks. "We are heading into the tournament with momentum after winning two straight tournaments, and the guys are really pumped."

"The competition at this tournament will be much stronger than what we've seen so far this fall," Meeks added. "Finishing in the top five would be considered a success, and of course, winning the tournament would be the ultimate finish going into the spring season."

The Cougars will have the experience factor on their side as the team returns to Cross Creek Plantation for a second straight year after finishing seventh out of 14 teams at last year's event. Junior Brian Bumgarner will lead the team as he comes off two straight individual medalist performances, while senior Chad Gress and junior Scott Snyder have each been the individual runner-up at a tournament this fall.

MVNU has put in plenty of practice time at three local courses in preparation for the NCCAA National Tournament. "We've really spent some great practice time together this fall," said Meeks. "At Apple Valley (Golf Course), we can let it rip. Being able to use the Mount Vernon Country Club has been the difference in us winning and playing smart. The Country Club is a tough track and you really have to think your way around. Chapel Hill (Golf Course) has also been gracious enough to let us use their course this week as Cross Creek Plantation sets up somewhat like their course."