May 16, 2008

Results

HOUSTON, Texas - Western Washington University's Sean Packer (Sr., Sumner/Auburn Riverside) is tied for fourth in medalist play, just two strokes off the lead, and the Vikings are ninth in the team standings heading into final-round play Saturday at the NCAA Division II Men's Golf National Championships being held at the Memorial Park Golf Course.

The Vikings fell one spot after shooting a 9-over par 289 on Friday, giving them a 54-hole total of 860. They were tied for fourth after Wednesday's opening round and tied for eighth following Thursday's play.

West Florida took over the top spot on the leader board after posting a 4-under 276 for an 843 total. That is four strokes better than second-place Georgia College (288=847), which led after two rounds in the 20-team field.

Just six strokes separate Western from three schools tied for third at 855. They are North Alabama (284), Indianapolis (291) and St. Edward's (286).

"We've got an opportunity to move up with a good round and have an historic finish," said Western coach Steve Card, whose team is making its first national appearance since 2005. "Our goal tomorrow is to be the low round of the day."

The Vikings' best NCAA finish was a tie for sixth in 2000 and their top overall placing was a tie for fourth at the NAIA National Tournament in 1997.

Packer was 1-under and tied for the lead before bogeying his final two holes for a 1-over 71 and a total of 1-under 209. He opened the tournament with back-to-back 69s.

"Those last two holes are tough, but with a good finish tomorrow he has a good chance of winning this thing," Card said. "He's playing really well right now, making a lot of birdies. He's striking the ball well, probably as good as he has all year. Just to be going into the last round of a national championship with a chance to win is a fantastic accomplishment."

Western's highest individual finish at a NCAA II national tournament is fifth by Brian Flugstad in 2000 and Joel Immordino in 2002. The Vikings' Bill Wright won the individual title at the 1960 NAIA National Championships.

It is the third national tournament for Packer, who placed 35th in 2006 and 81st in 2004.

West Florida's Kyle Scott holds a 1-shot medalist lead at 3-under 207 (70). Tied for second at 208 are Scott's teammate Matthew Galloway, who fired a 5-under 65, and Jeff Goff (70) from South Carolina-Aiken.

The Vikings' Thomas Jun (Fr., Federal Way/Todd Beamer) had a 1-over 71 and is tied for 80th at 222, Brandon Brown (Jr., Kent/Jefferson) shot 72 and is tied for 48th at 217, Jake Koppenberg (Jr., Everett) had a 75 and is tied for 54th at 218 and Julian Peters (So., Mukilteo/Kamiak) shot a 76 and is tied for 84th at 223.

"The conditions are tough with super fast greens and pin placements that are treacherous," said Card. " It's hard work to get it around this golf course."

This is Western's seventh NCAA II national appearance and its18th overall.