Bethune-Cookman takes both Div I men's and women's titles at PGA Minority College Golf Championships
May 11, 2008
By Randy Stutzman, PGA.com Contributor- PGA.com
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Bethune-Cookman University of Daytona, Fla. captured both the Division I men's and women's titles Sunday at the 22nd PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
 In the men's division, Bethune-Cookman carded a team-total of 8-over-par 872 to defeat Jackson State University by 17 strokes. The University of Texas-Pan American finished in third place overall.
Carl Corbin of Bethune-Cookman won the Division I men's individual standings title after carding a final-round 3-under-par 69. Corbin finished two strokes ahead of Brett Benson of Jackson State.
"I really wanted to play well for the team this week and come out on top, since we have come so close the past few years," said Corbin, a senior from Reading, England. "We went out today trying to beat the guy we were playing with and the rest would take care of itself. And this victory shows that the rest did take care of itself."
In the women's division, Bethune-Cookman won for the third consecutive year after carding a team-total of 918 to defeat the University of Texas-Pan-American by 16 strokes.
Becky Dowell of Bethune-Cookman claimed the women's individual medalist honors with a three-day-total of 225. She edged Mariale Camey of Texas-Pan American by one stroke.
"I am very satisfied with the overall performance of my team at this Championship," said Head Coach Dr. Gary Freeman. "I have super group of kids that I am able to coach and it was a privilege to watch them play out here this week."
Freeman said it was especially pleasing to see his boys' team take home the title after finishing in second place last year.
"The boys team knew they could do better then last year," said Freeman. "A few of the boys have not had a chance to be on a Championship team before, so that is very satisfying."
Fayetteville State University took home the Division II title with a three-day total of 9-over-par 873. Lincoln University of Jefferson City, Mo., finished in second place, nine strokes behind.
Ian Milne, a senior from Deland, Fla., led the Broncos with a final-round even-par 72, concluding the Championship with a 12-foot putt for birdie.
"I just wanted to help my team win for the third consecutive year," said Milne, who is playing in his third Championship. "I had a few struggles during my round but was able to finish off the tournament with a birdie at the final hole."
In the NAIA Division, Johnson & Wales University of Miami, Fla., cruised to victory, carding a three-day-total of 857. The University of Texas at Brownsville finished in second place overall.
Nick Zappin led the Wildcats with a three-day total of 6-under-par 210. His round was highlighted by four birdies.
"Anytime you win a championship of this prestige it means a lot, said Zappin, a senior from North Miami, Fla. "This team victory will help build our confidence as we conclude our successful season."
Sara Young of Florida State University in Tallahassee captured the women's independent division with a final-round 77, defeating first-round leader Alexis Garduno of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., by nine strokes.
"This feels so good. I am so glad to pull out a win in this Championship," said Young, a junior from Jacksonville, Fla. "After losing by a stroke last year I wanted to come out and prove to myself that I could win on a big stage like the Minority Championship."
In the independent men's division, Armando Favela of Loyola (Ill.) University, recorded a 1-under-par 215 to win the men's independent division over Amit Odaiyar of Florida Atlantic University.
Nearly 200 contestants from 47 colleges and universities, representing 14 countries comprised the field for the 2008 PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship.
|
