Purdue Fort Wayne
Norm Bullock Collegiate Classic
IPFW Swings to Program's First Tournament Win
4/5/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
CELINA, Ohio- Head coach Billy King asked his players for consistency, and on Sunday, that's exactly what he got.
The IPFW men's golf team overcame a two stroke deficit late in the tournament to win by three in the Norm Bullock Collegiate (hosted by Wright State) in Celina, Ohio. The win is the program's first in the school's history.
Despite rainy conditions at the Fox Den's Golf Course, three Mastodons placed in the top-15, while the team finished the event with a 582 (+6).
The Mastodons won the team title over IPFW Invitational winner Loyola-Chicago (585), Cleveland State (590) and tournament-host Wright State (595).
The 'Dons had two golfers finish at even par or better, with Ryan Olbin leading the way with a one-under 143, and Hartley Mcleod finishing one stroke behind with an even-par 144.
Olbin got off to a quick start by firing a two-under 70 in round one, and coming back in round two with a one-over 73. He finished the event in third place, and helped set the tone for the remainder of the day.
McLeod, who is still recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, fired a pair of 72s, good enough for a tie for fourth place. The finish is McLeod's best showing since last season at the Loyola Caputo Invitational, where he fired a two-round total of 151 for an eighth place finish.
Along with Olbin and McLeod, Johnny McMillen finished in the top-15 after firing a one-under 71 in the first round to complete the day with a two-round total of 145 (+1). McMillen continues to have a fine freshman season for the 'Dons.
IPFW couldn't have won the match without impressive play for its seniors Patrick Kelley and Jon Balyeat. Kelley carded a pair of 75s (150) en route to a tie for 18th place, while Balyeat finished with a 151, good enough for a tie for 21st place.
King sent out two Mastodons to compete in the individual competition, and like their teammates, both gentlemen held it together and played well in tough conditions.
Tyler Haire fought off a slow start with an even-par 72 in round two, placing him in a tie for 21st place. Jacob Bailey finished alone in 30th place with two steady rounds of 76-77 (153).
Cleveland State sophomore Kent Monas took medalist honors with a five-under 139 (71-68).
IPFW will ride the momentum and look for win number two in the Detroit Titans Invitational on April 17-18.
IPFW 582 (288-294)
3. Ryan Olbin, 143 (70-73)
T4. Hartley Mcleod III, 144 (72-72)
T7. Johnny McMillen, 145 (71-74)
T18. Patrick Kelley, 150 (75-75)
T21. Jon Balyeat, 151 (75-76)
Individuals
T21. Tyler Haire, 151 (79-72)
30. Jacob Bailey, 153 (77-76)
~ Dons ~
