GREENSBORO, NC - The Wittenberg Tigers got off to a strong start to the 2015 NCAA Division III Tournament, turning in an opening round team score of 297 to finish in a tie for ninth place.
The Tigers, who stand sixth in the most recent GolfStat statistical rankings, are in a better position than any of the previous five years after the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Wittenberg has made the 15-team cut four of the last five years, which is determined after the second round is complete.
On Wednesday, the Tigers will compete on the West Course of the Grandover Resort, which played two strokes lower in the opening round while playing nearly 500 yards shorter than the East Course, where Wittenberg's players spent the opening round. The Tigers will hit the West Course early in the day for Round 2 after teeing off toward the end of Round 1.
Methodist leads the tournament after posting a stellar four-under-par round of 284, one stroke better than Redlands. Just six strokes separate the next 10 teams in the standings.
"It was a solid start for us today on what is traditionally the tougher of the two courses at Grandover," said Head Coach Jeff Roope. "Our guys really showed some resilience throughout the round, coming up with some important birdies early, in the middle, and late in the round."
Roope is traveling with the women's team in Florida for their national championships this week, so Assistant Coach Andy Bonar, class of 2005 and a former all-conference standout for the Tigers, is guiding the men. Roope said he is "thrilled that Coach Bonar is at the reins this week and having a chance to experience nationals for the first time."
Individually, sophomore Sam Stilwell (Sterling, Va./Dominion) turned in the round of the day for Wittenberg. He carded a 70, including a four-under-par 32 on the front nine, to stand seventh after Round 1.
Senior John Chaney (Gates Mills, Ohio/Gilmour Academy) was right behind with a round of 73 to finish 29th, followed by senior Jared Wissinger (Hilliard, Ohio/Davidson) with a 76 to stand 76th in the 210-player field. Senior Alex Andrews (Kirtland, Ohio/Gilmour Academy) stands 114th with a first round score of 78 and junior Sam Geise (Springboro, Ohio/Springboro) rounded out the Tiger players in the field in 130th with a 79.
Written By: Ryan Maurer