May 6, 2009

Results

IUP shot a team score of 915 to edge Fayetteville State by three shots and claim the NCAA Division II East/Atlantic Super Regional title Wednesday at The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels, W.Va.

The Crimson Hawks won the region championship for the second consecutive season and third in the past five years to earn a berth to the NCAA national tournament May 19-22 at the Loomis Trail Golf Club in Blaine, Wash.

IUP was making its 13th straight appearance in the region tournament and qualified for nationals for the seventh time in 17 seasons under head coach Fred Joseph. The Crimson Hawks will be looking to improve upon its previous top national finish of 12th in 1993.

The region tournament had a total of 20 teams, 10 from both the Atlantic - which includes IUP - and the East regions. The top five teams regardless of region affiliation advanced to nationals. Joining IUP and Fayetteville State as national qualifiers were Concord (927), Fairmont State (932) and St. Thomas Aquinas (933). All but St. Thomas Aquinas are from the Atlantic Region.

Leo Acklin was the top IUP individual, tying Joel Lynn of Fayetteville State for second place with a three-round score of 225, including a one-over par 73 in the third round. Emmanuel Charmat of Concord took a one-stroke victory over Acklin and Lynn.

Acklin continued his outstanding sophomore season which also included the PSAC individual title in October when IUP won its second straight conference championship.

Brad Boyle was the second Crimson Hawk golfer to finish in the top 10, tying for fifth with a score of 228. Ryan Kennedy and Gavin Smith tied for 17th at 232 and Cory Stelick tied for 34th at 238.