April 3, 2006

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Cleveland State's Steve Weir carded an eight-under 63 in the second round of the Comfort Inn Belmont Intercollegiate to vault into the 36-hole lead by two strokes. The score bested by three shots the previous school record, tied the tournament mark and was one shot off of the course record at the par 71, 6,501 yard Old Natchez Country Club.

Mike Rutgers had set the CSU record last season, with a 66 in the second round of the DePaul John Dallio Memorial Invitational on Sept. 27, 2004.

After opening with a one-over 72 in the morning, Weir's 36-hole total of 135 (-7) puts him two strokes up on Tennessee State's Phillip Watkins. Tennessee Tech's Scott Stallings is another shot back in third place.

"After the way Steve hit the ball during the practice round, I'm not surprised he broke the school record," CSU head coach Tom Porten said. "I was a little surprised that he did it by three strokes. Hopefully he can finish things off tomorrow -- he's definitely ready to win."

Host Belmont leads the 11-team field at 573 (+5), just a shot ahead of Eastern Kentucky. Cleveland State and Lipscomb are tied for third at 583.

Mike Rutgers joined Weir in the top 10, carding rounds of 73 and 70 to stand eighth at one-over (143).

"We're going to try and get better again in the final round and see if we can't challenge for the title," Porten said.

The tournament concludes with 18 holes on Tuesday morning.

Individual Leaders
1. Steve Weir, Cleveland State 72-63--135
2. Phillip Watkins, Tennessee State 70-67--137
3. Scott Stallings, Tennessee Tech 70-68--138

Team Standings
1. Belmont 286-287--573
2. Eastern Kentucky 292-282--574
T3. Cleveland State 296-287--583
T3. Lipscomb 291-292--583

CSU Individuals
1. Steve Weir 72-63--135
8. Mike Rutgers 73-70--143
T41. Ben Grandy 74-79--153
T45. Doug Barber 78-76--154
T48. Jacob Scott 77-78--155