May 16, 2009 - courtesy Maryville University sports information
MARYVILLE MEN'S GOLF TAKES 20TH AT NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS; BEST FINISH IN PROGRAM HISTORY

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.-The Maryville University men's golf team placed 20th at the 2009 NCAA Division III Men's Golf National Championships at the PGA Golf Club.

The Saints finished with a four-round team score of 1239 (312-299-319-309).

"We played really well today and had a great round," said head coach Glenn Paulus. "I am very pleased at how the team performed as we started the year with the goal to qualify for the NCAA Championships and post a 72-hole score, which we accomplished."

This marked the best team finish in program history as the Saints placed 23rd at the 2001 championships but did not make the cut in its last appearance (2007).

Ogelthorpe University claimed the team title with its total score of 1164 (301-284-290-289). After leading all teams after rounds one and three, host-Methodist University claimed third place as it finished twelve over-par on the day (279-303-289-300=1171).

The University of LaVerne, which stood atop the leaderboard after the second round, took second place (292-283-302-291=1168).

Mitchell Fedorka, of LaVerne and Olafur Loftsson of Ogelthorpe ended tied for the individual medalist title. Loftsson compiled a strong third and fourth round scores 68 and 69, respectively to tie Fedorka. Both golfers had a four-day total score of 285.

Senior Nick Profancik (Centralia, Ill.) led Maryville as he had done in 24 previous tournaments over his career and finished tied for 15th with his four-round score of 296 (75-71-76-74). He ended eight-over par during the four-day tournament.

"It was still a little windy today, but Nick played really well and positioned himself well for potential All-American honors," stated Paulus.

Classmate Tony Skurat (St. Charles, Mo.) tied for 76th place as he shot a 79 for the second consecutive day (76-76-79-79=310).

Sophomore Sam Carlson (Lake St. Louis, Mo.) improved by four strokes in the final round with his 76 and finished tied for 85th place (81-75-80-76=312).

Junior Tyler Schell (Washington, Mo.) improved by five strokes and ended tied for 114th place (81-77-85-80=323).

Junior Cory Scott (Hannibal, Mo.) rounded out the Saints competitors and took 118th place (80-83-84-86=333).

Carlson and Profancik each had two birdies in the final round of competition on the Dye Course.