Monday, April 04, 2011

Valparaiso currently is in ninth place after the opening round of the TSU Big Blue Intercollegiate after a rain-shortened opening day at King’s Creek Golf Course in Spring Hill, Tenn.  The Crusaders shot 309 in the opening round, with round two cancelled due to severe storms.

Tennessee State, the tournament host, leads the way at 294 at the midway point, one stroke ahead of Tennessee-Martin.  Valpo is one shot back of Lipscomb for eighth place and three shots ahead of 10th place Trevecca Nazarene.

“Yet again we played 12 holes solid, but were unable to finish our round strong,” head coach Mike Higdon said.  “We had a weather delay after about 12 holes, which gave our guys a chance to come in, eat, and relax.  It was only about 45 minutes so there is no excuse for us not playing well after the break.  Everyone else was in the same situation.”

Josh Kalita (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton H.S.) and Thomas Wettstein (Neenah, Wis./Xavier H.S.) led the way for the Crusaders, each carding a six-over par 76 on the 6,807-yard, par-70 layout.  The duo is tied for 20th overall individually.  Kyle Henning (Brookfield, Wis./East H.S.) was one shot behind his teammates after carding a 77 while Andy Webb (Bedford, Ind./North Lawrence H.S.) and Brad Winters (Elgin, Ill./Saint Edward H.S.) each turned in an opening round of 80.

Valparaiso will close out action at the tournament Tuesday morning.  With the event being shortened to a 36-hole tournament, the final round will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m.