April 19, 2004

Fairborn, Ohio - Senior golfer Billy Houle closed out his final regular season tournament in brilliant fashion, shooting a one-under-par 215 (70-71-74) for medalist honors at the Bullock Collegiate Classic Monday. His effort helped the Vikings combine to card a 932 (311-307-314) for a fourth-place tie at the Greene Country Club.

"Everything just came together for Billy," head coach Tom Porten said. "He just outplayed everyone. There was no one better on the course. It was a textbook three rounds."

Houle's solid showing marks the second time in his Cleveland State career that he has finished with a top tournament score. Houle finished tied for first with teammate Christian Komsa at the 2002 Cleveland State Invitational at Legend Lake Golf Club in Chardon, Ohio.

Freshman Mike Rutgers improved on his first round score, finishing with a 238 (82-79-77), while freshman Ben Grandy (83-78-82) and junior Jim Weikamp (76-85-82) recorded totals of 243.

Eastern Kentucky dominated the field, shooting a tournament-best 898 (297-304-297). Horizon League member Wright State mounted a late charge but came up short, finishing in second with a 923 (317-306-300).

"Wright State got their act together in the end," Porten commented. "We just got tired down the stretch and couldn't hang on, but we're proud of what we accomplished here."

The Vikings will wrap-up the 2003-04 season at the Horizon League Championship on April 26-27 at the Royal American Golf Club in Galena, Ohio.

CSU Scores
1 Billy Houle 215
T35 Mike Rutgers 238
T47 Ben Grandy 243
T47 Jim Weikamp 243
T60 Mike Bognar 246