March 18, 2006

OCALA, Fla. - Cleveland State fired consecutive rounds of 313 (+25) at the opening day of the El Diablo Intercollegiate and stands in 16th place heading into Sunday's final round. Jacksonville carded a two-over 578 and leads the 19-team field which is competing at the par 72, 7,045 yard El Diablo Golf Club.

Charleston Southern is a distant second at 598 (+22), while Army and Northern Illinois are tied for third at 606 (+30). Host Marshall enters the final day in seventh at +34 (610).

Jacksonville also boasts the top two golfers, in Duncan Stewart and Russel Knox, who stand at -6 (138) and -3 (141), respectively, heading into the final round.

Junior Mike Rugters paced the Vikings with a 153 (+9) and is tied for 29th, while sophomore Doug Barber stands tied for 51st at 157 (+13).

"I think what we experienced today was a combination of a very challenging course and the fact that it was our first time out this spring," CSU head coach Tom Porten said. "I expect the scores to be lower tomorrow."

Action concludes with 18 holes on Sunday morning.

CSU Individuals
T29. Mike Rutgers 76-77--153
T51. Doug Barber 77-80--157
T63. Jake Scott 80-79--159
T63. Ben Grandy 82-77--159
T88. Steve Weir 80-82--162