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Streaking Golfers to Compete at Johnny Owens Invite
March 29, 2002 | Men's Golf
March 28, 2002
University of Louisville men's golf coach Mark Crabtree knew it was only a matter of time before his young and talented squad hit its stride. Coming off a strong second-place showing at the El Diablo Invitational, the Cardinals appear to be peaking at the right to as they head to Lexington for the 17th annual Johnny Owens Invitational this weekend, a tournament they won in 2000.
The Cards have been contending for tournament titles in each of the four events during the spring season, finishing fifth or better in the last three events. Having problems putting together a consistent team effort early in the season, the Cards notched their finest all-around team showing of the spring season two weekends ago when they finished tied for second in the 20-team field at the El Diablo, one shot off the pace set by William and Mary.
As they have done throughout much of the season, freshmen Brett Jones and Mark Anderson led the way for the Cards at the El Diablo. Fellow freshman Charlie Woo shrugged off some inconsistent outings early in the season with two strong rounds to close out the event while senior Grant Sturgeon seems to be rounding back into the form that saw him lead the Cards during the fall season. Redshirt freshman Nick Ferrara put forth two solid rounds in his second consecutive event of the season before struggling with the flu and fading on the final day.
Looking to become the first U of L team to post two tournament victories in the same season, Crabtree will field the same lineup that proved successful two weeks ago. Anderson, Jones, Sturgeon, Woo and Ferrara will represent the Cards in a competitive group of 17 regional rivals at the event which begins with two rounds on Friday and a third and final round Saturday.
Sturgeon, the only senior in the lineup, will be looking for a repeat of his performance at the 2000 Johhny Owens Invite when he cruised to a tie for fourth-place with a two-over 218 to lead the Cards to the championship.
Battling Louisville for the title will be host Kentucky, Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, Marshall, Miami of Ohio, Morehead State, Murray State, Ohio, Purdue, Akron, Michigan, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Western Kentucky, Wright State, Youngstown State and Xavier. Miami of Ohio will look to repeat last year's championship performance, which saw Redhawk Adam Speirs take medalist honors by shattering the previous Johnny Owens record with his 9-under par campaign.
