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Men's Golf Prepared for NCAA Postseason
May 13, 2009
SAN MARCOS - Texas State men's golfers Jeff Gerlich and Corey Roberson continue their 2009 season at the NCAA Regional Championship Tournament Thursday at the University of Texas Golf Club (par-71, 7,214 yard) in Austin, Texas. Competitors will play 18 holes each day of the three-day event and action will conclude Saturday, May 16. "It is so exciting to see Jeff and Corey compete at the Regional Championship," said head coach Shane Howell. "This is something they both deserve after a great year of competition, and if they play to the best of their abilities, there is no doubt in my mind they could win a National Championship." After just two years of taking over the men's golf program, Howell has shaped the team into one of the best in school history. Last season, Howell led the Bobcat team to a second-place finish at the Southland Conference Championship Tournament, its best finish since 2008 and this year's trip to the NCAA postseason is the first for Texas State since 1992. "My time at Texas State has been great," said Roberson. "I've been here for four years and the final two with Coach Howell have been the best for me. "I can see steady improvement all the time and he is one of the greatest coaches to play for." The senior will graduate in May with a degree in exercise and sports science. He led the team in 2008 with a 74.5 stroke average and shaved one stroke for a 73.5 average this year. Roberson posted three Top-5 finishes this season, including the individual title at the Oral Roberts Shootout in September. "Corey is an outstanding individual," said Howell. "His presence will be missed on this team because he is such a great leader on and off the field. He works hard at his game and is determined to improve. He is the type of player all coaches would like to have on their team."
Gerlich, who led the team with a 73 stroke average, claimed four Top-5 finishes in his first season with the Bobcats. As a transfer from Baylor University, the outstanding first-year performance warranted Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year honors. "Jeff has been consistent all season and it has been a pleasure to have him on the team," added Howell. "He has had a major impact on the program, won some big tournaments in big ways and is just an outstanding golfer." Gerlich broke a five-year course record at the Carter Plantation Intercollegiate in May with a three-round score of 208, claiming the individual title and beating the competition by ten strokes. The Austin Regional is one of six NCAA tournament host sites and the lowest five team finishes, along with the lowest individual score not on those teams will advance to the finals. Live stats will be provided by GolfStat at www.golfstat.com. |