2014-15 Penn State Men's Golf Yearbook by Penn State Athletics

2014-15 Men’s Golf Table of Contents

Fall Schedule

September

Sat.-Sun. 6-7 Wolverine Intercollegiate U-M Golf Course

Ann Arbor, Mich. Host: Michigan

Sat.-Sun. Wolf Run Intercollegiate Wolf Run Intercollegiate Zionsville, Ind. Wolf Run Golf Course Host: Indiania Mon.-Tues. 29-30 Primland Collegiate Invitational Highland Course at Primland

2014-15 Roster

Meadows of Dan, Va. Host: Wake Forest

October

Fri.-Sun. 10-12 Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate Blackthorn Club

Johnson City, Tenn. Host: ETSU

Mon.-Tues. 20-21 Georgetown Intercollegiate The Members Club at Four Streams

Beallsville, Md. Host: Georgetown

Roster Head Coach Greg Nye Assistant Coach Mark Leon Meet the Nittany Lions 2014 Fall Review 2013 Fall Review 2014 Spring Review Remembering Mike Carter Lions on Tour Penn State Golf History Groundbreaking Golf Rutherford Intercollegiate Career Scoring Leaders GCAA All-Americans All-Big Ten Selections NCAA All-Region GCAA All-American Scholars Honors and Team Records Team and Individual Titles Alumni Year-by-Year Results

3 4 6 7 11 13 15 17 18 19 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 34 35 37

2014-15 Team Roster

Spring Schedule

Player Year Hometown/High School

February

Sat.-Sun. 14-15 Big Ten Match Play Championship Hammock Beach Resort

Palm Coast, Fla.

March Fri.-Sun. 13-15 Seminole Intercollegiate Southwind Golf Club Sun.-Tues. 22-24 Middleburg Bank Intercollegiate Kingsmill Golf Club

Tallahassee, Fla. Host: Florida State Williamsburg, V.A. Host: William & Mary

Sat.-Sun. 18-19 Rutherford Intercollegiate Penn State Blue Course

Columbus, OH Host: Ohio State University Park, Pa. Host: Penn State

May Fri.-Sun. 24-25 Big Ten Championship Victora National

Evansville, Ind.

Thurs.-Sat. 14-16 NCAA Regional Finley Golf Course

Chapel Hill, N.C.

The Penn State 2014-15 Men’s Golf Yearbook was compiled, written and laid out by Melissa Conrad (Men’s Golf Contact) with contributions from Head Coach Greg Nye and Assistant Coach Mark Leon; former men’s golf contact Amanda Landi; Executive Editor; Arielle Sargent, and Photographer; Mark Selders www.GoPSUsports.com

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

April Sat.-Sun. 11-12 Kepler Intercollegiate Ohio State Golf Courses

CREDITS

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. The Pennsylvania State University does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; tel. (814) 863-0471; TDD (814) 865-3175. Park, PA 16802-5901; tel. (814) 863-0471; TDD (814) 865-3175. Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901; tel. (814) 863-0471; TDD (814) 865-3175.

Cody Cox

So.

Milford, Pa./Delaware Valley

JD Dornes

Jr.

Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township HS

Christian Elliott

So.

Port Perry, Ontario, Canada

Chris Houston

Jr.

Gilford, N.H. /Gilford Middle HS

Xander McDonald-Smith

Sr.

Rockaway Park, N.Y./The Scholars’ Academy

Cole Miller

Fr.

New Tripoli, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh HS

Josh Rinehart

Fr.

York, Pa./Yorktowne HS

Jens Talbert

Sr.

Little Rock, Ark./Little Rock Christian Academy

Geoff Vartelas

Jr.

Cromwell, Conn./Xavier HS

Strategic Communications Contact: Melissa Conrad 101-D Bryce Jordan Center University Park. PA 16802 Office Number: 814-865-1757 Fax: 814-863-3165 E-mail: melissaconrad3@gmail.com

Head Coach: Greg Nye (31st year, 23rd year at Penn State) Assistant Coach: Mark Leon (4th year, 4th year at Penn State)

2014-15 Quick Facts

General Team Information

Home Courses: Blue Course (Par 72 - 7,202 yards) White Course (Par 72 - 6,344 yards) Letterwinners Returning: 7 Starters Returning: 5

University Information

Location: University Park, Pa. Founded: 1855 Enrollment: 46,184 Conference: Big Ten Colors: Blue & White Nickname: Nittany Lions President: Eric Barron Director of Athletics: Sandy Barbour Asst. Athletic Dir. Jan Bortner

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

2014-15 Men’s Golf Table of Contents

Fall Schedule

September

Sat.-Sun. 6-7 Wolverine Intercollegiate U-M Golf Course

Ann Arbor, Mich. Host: Michigan

Sat.-Sun. Wolf Run Intercollegiate Wolf Run Intercollegiate Zionsville, Ind. Wolf Run Golf Course Host: Indiania Mon.-Tues. 29-30 Primland Collegiate Invitational Highland Course at Primland

2014-15 Roster

Meadows of Dan, Va. Host: Wake Forest

October

Fri.-Sun. 10-12 Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate Blackthorn Club

Johnson City, Tenn. Host: ETSU

Mon.-Tues. 20-21 Georgetown Intercollegiate The Members Club at Four Streams

Beallsville, Md. Host: Georgetown

3 4 6 7 11 13 15 17 18 19 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 34 35 37

2014-15 Team Roster

Spring Schedule

Player Year Hometown/High School

February

Sat.-Sun. 14-15 Big Ten Match Play Championship Hammock Beach Resort

Palm Coast, Fla.

March Fri.-Sun. 13-15 Seminole Intercollegiate Southwind Golf Club Sun.-Tues. 22-24 Middleburg Bank Intercollegiate Kingsmill Golf Club

Tallahassee, Fla. Host: Florida State Williamsburg, V.A. Host: William & Mary

Sat.-Sun. 18-19 Rutherford Intercollegiate Penn State Blue Course

Columbus, OH Host: Ohio State University Park, Pa. Host: Penn State

May Fri.-Sun. 24-25 Big Ten Championship Victora National

Evansville, Ind.

Thurs.-Sat. 14-16 NCAA Regional Finley Golf Course

Chapel Hill, N.C.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

April Sat.-Sun. 11-12 Kepler Intercollegiate Ohio State Golf Courses

CREDITS

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Cody Cox

So.

Milford, Pa./Delaware Valley

JD Dornes

Jr.

Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township HS

Christian Elliott

So.

Port Perry, Ontario, Canada

Chris Houston

Jr.

Gilford, N.H. /Gilford Middle HS

Xander McDonald-Smith

Sr.

Rockaway Park, N.Y./The Scholars’ Academy

Cole Miller

Fr.

New Tripoli, Pa./Northwestern Lehigh HS

Josh Rinehart

Fr.

York, Pa./Yorktowne HS

Jens Talbert

Sr.

Little Rock, Ark./Little Rock Christian Academy

Geoff Vartelas

Jr.

Cromwell, Conn./Xavier HS

Strategic Communications Contact: Melissa Conrad 101-D Bryce Jordan Center University Park. PA 16802 Office Number: 814-865-1757 Fax: 814-863-3165 E-mail: melissaconrad3@gmail.com

Head Coach: Greg Nye (31st year, 23rd year at Penn State) Assistant Coach: Mark Leon (4th year, 4th year at Penn State)

2014-15 Quick Facts

General Team Information

Home Courses: Blue Course (Par 72 - 7,202 yards) White Course (Par 72 - 6,344 yards) Letterwinners Returning: 7 Starters Returning: 5

University Information

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

Head Coach Greg Nye

Head Coach Greg Nye In his first two years, Nye’s teams set two Penn State

STRENGTH OF PLAY

records for the number of championships earned in a

In his 23rd year at Penn State, men’s golf coach Greg

season, with six in 1992-93 and eight in 1993-94, a

Nye has guided the Nittany Lions to national prominence, while bolstering the program’s reputation as a perennial power in eastern collegiate golf. The historic marches to NCAA Finals in 1996, 2004, 2008 and

Head Coach Greg Nye MILESTONES - 31st season coaching - 23rd season with Penn State - 60 tournament titles at Penn State

HIGHLIGHTS - NCAA Finals Berths: 1996, 2004, 2008 & 2010 - Region Coach of the Year: 1993, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2009 & 2010 - Eastern Championships: 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997 - 19 NCAA Regional Appearances 18 Team One Individual (T.J. Howe 2011)

PLAYERS COACHED - 7 All-Americans - 20 All-American Scholars - 10 All-Big Ten Players - 56 All-Region Honorees - 5 Mid Atlantic Region Players of the Year - 84 Academic All Big Ten

QUOTEBOOK “I have been very fortunate to be able to pursue a

one of those places. I have particularly enjoyed the

Academic & Athletic Excellence

2010 are four major highlights of a storied career.

In addition to the team’s success on the course, Nye

The most significant contribution Nye has made to

has continually stressed strong performance in the class-

Penn State and eastern collegiate golf history came at

room. In 1999- 2000, 2001-2002, his teams lead the

the end of the 1995-96 season, when he led the Nittany

nation with three GCAA All American Scholar team

Lions to the NCAA Finals with a ninth-place finish in

selections on each of those teams. In 21 seasons at Penn

the NCAA East Regional. With their triumphant finish

State, the Nittany Lions have consistently achieved a

at the East Regional, the Nittany Lions became the first

team grade-point average greater than 3.00. In 2000-

team from either the Northeastern or Mid- Atlantic

01, Nye’s team received the award for the top GPA of

NCAA Districts to advance to the NCAA Finals since

the 29 teams at Penn State and three other years his Li-

the regional format was established in 1987.

ons topped all the men’s teams with latest in the spring

In 2004, his Nittany Lions rocked the collegiate golf

of 2014. Nye has coached 18 GCAA All-America

world by nearly winning the NCAA East Regional,

Scholars, one GTE Academic All-American and each

finishing second out of 27 teams, seven of which were

year he has seen a high percentage of the team rewarded

ranked in the nation’s top 15. Knocking off the nations

for their academic achievements with Academic All-Big

#1-ranked Florida Gators in the process. The Nittany

Ten honors.

Lions then went on to finish 15th among 30 teams at

Nye’s teams have continually ranked near or at the top

the NCAA Finals, making Penn State golf history with

of the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast Region. His team

its highest team and individual finish with Mark Leon

have qualified for the NCAA Championship Regional

finishing 6th.

18 times and reached the NCAA Championship Finals

The team headed into Big Ten territory for the 2008

4 times. In 2011, senior T.J. Howe competed individu-

edition of the NCAA regionals after receiving a bid to

ally at the Virginia Tech regional. His squads have also

the Central Regional hosted by Ohio State. The 13th-

won the Eastern Championship three straight seasons,

seeded Penn State team captured an eighth-place finish

1993-95, and in 1997.

to secure its third NCAA Finals berth under Coach

Nye was voted the Region/District NCAA Coach of

Nye.

the Year eight times, 1993, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2004,

The Penn State squad was propelled into the 2010

2008, 2009 and 2010. He has coached 39 NCAA All-

NCAA Finals in by seniors T.J. Howe and Kevin Foley.

District players, five Mid-Atlantic Region Players of the

The standout team performance secured a fourth-place

Year, eight All-Big Ten selections, as well as five NCAA

finish for the Nittany Lions at regionals upsetting sever-

All-Americans. Adam Decker (1997), Matt Abbott

al highly ranked teams finishing only two shots behind

(2001), Mark Leon (2004), Foley (2008/09/10) and

first place Texas. Howe’s first place finish made Penn

Howe (2010).

State history in that he became the first Lion to ever

Nye was voted the NCAA District II Coach of the

win a NCAA regional!

Year in 1993, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008 2009 and 2010. He has coached 52 All-Region honorees, five

passion for competitive golf at a few very special places with many outstanding people. Penn State has been

that mark was tied by the 1996-97 squad.

Personal Milestone at Marshall Invitational

Mid-Atlantic Region Players of the Year, eight All-Big Ten selections, as well as five NCAA All-Americans - Adam Decker (1997), Matt Abbott (2001), Mark

Penn State approach to intercollegiate athletics. Penn State supports our program to be competitive athleti-

In April 2007, Nye marked a personal achievement

cally on a conference and national level, but insists

while the Nittany Lions celebrated their victory at the

that the student-athlete’s education and well-being

Marshall Invitational, beating the next best team by

remain first and foremost.” — Coach Nye

12 strokes. The championship, won on a cool, snowy

Leon (2004), Foley (2008/09/10) and Howe (2010).

The Road to Happy Valley After eight years as head coach of the Bowling Green State University men’s and women’s golf teams in Bowling Green, Ohio, Nye was attracted to Penn State and its membership in the Big Ten Conference. The 1987 Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year developed a familiarity with Penn State through its golf camps, and has co-director of the Penn State golf camps for the last 21 years.

Professional Leadership Nye has been a member of the Golf Coaches Association of America for 30 years and served as the Chair of the Ethics committee for ten consecutive years from 1993-2003. In addition, he also served the NCAA as a District Selection Chair for the NCAA Championship from 1997-99. Nye, a 32 year “Class A” member of the PGA of America, began his professional career working as a golf professional 1980.

Playing Career Nye graduated from the College of Wooster (Ohio) in 1979 where he earned All-America honors each of his four years. As a sophomore, junior and senior, he received first-team honors. Nye and his teammates captured the first ever NCAA Division III Golf Championship in 1975, where he finished eighth individually. Before concluding his collegiate career, Nye earned second, fourth and sixth-place finishes in the NCAA Championship. Nye was the individual champion in the Ohio Athletic Conference in his final two years at Wooster. In 1978, he set a conference margin of victory record winning by 11 shots. He played on Fighting Scot teams that captured conference titles in 1975, 1976, and 1977. While at Wooster Nye played several notable national amateur tournaments, and after graduation he played professionally on the Florida mini tours. In 1990, Nye was inducted into the College of Wooster’s Athletic Hall of Fame, and was honored with induction into the Wayne County, Ohio Sports Hall of Fame in Wooster, Ohio in 2002. In the fall of 2009, Nye was also inducted into the Wooster High School Hall of Fame.

A Life In Golf

When asked about how his life in golf and Penn State fit together Nye said, “Sports, golf, competing, coaching and teaching have been with me from the beginning. I have been very fortunate to be able to pursue a passion for competitive golf at a few very special places with many outstanding people. Penn State has been one of those places. I have particularly enjoyed the Penn State approach to intercollegiate athletics. Penn State supports our program to be competitive athletically on a conference and national level, but insists that the student athletes’ education and well-being remains first and foremost.” Nye and his wife, Marjie, reside in State College, and are parents of two sons Russell and Graham.

Nye Family Golf Tradition Coach Nye’s two brothers and his father have all been greatly involved in the sport of golf. Father Bob Nye coached all three sons at the College of Wooster in Ohio and has seen each son find his own niche professionally. Bob Nye coached golf and soccer at the College of Wooster from 1963-1996 and was inducted into Wooster’s Hall of Fame in 1997. He served as the president of the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) from 1984-86 and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2000, the elder Nye received the GCAA’s highest distinction by being presented with the Honor Award for his lifetime contributions to golf. He was named the Golfweek Father of the Year in 2007. Coach Nye’s brother, Scott, is the head golf professional at the prestigious Merion Golf Club, located in Ardmore, Pa., which has hosted four United States Open Championships. In his time at Merion they have hosted the 2004 US Amateur, the 2009 Walker Cup and recently hosted the 2013 U.S. Open. Nye’s youngest brother, Gary, serves as the head golf professional at the Stock Farm Club in Hamilton, MT.

weekend at the Guyan Golf and Country Club, was the 50th of Nye’s coaching career. To date, Nye’s career coaching win total stands at 60.

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014-15

Head Coach Greg Nye

Head Coach Greg Nye In his first two years, Nye’s teams set two Penn State

STRENGTH OF PLAY

records for the number of championships earned in a

In his 23rd year at Penn State, men’s golf coach Greg

season, with six in 1992-93 and eight in 1993-94, a

Head Coach Greg Nye MILESTONES - 31st season coaching - 23rd season with Penn State - 60 tournament titles at Penn State

PLAYERS COACHED - 7 All-Americans - 20 All-American Scholars - 10 All-Big Ten Players - 56 All-Region Honorees - 5 Mid Atlantic Region Players of the Year - 84 Academic All Big Ten

QUOTEBOOK “I have been very fortunate to be able to pursue a

one of those places. I have particularly enjoyed the

Academic & Athletic Excellence

2010 are four major highlights of a storied career.

In addition to the team’s success on the course, Nye

The most significant contribution Nye has made to

has continually stressed strong performance in the class-

Penn State and eastern collegiate golf history came at

room. In 1999- 2000, 2001-2002, his teams lead the

the end of the 1995-96 season, when he led the Nittany

nation with three GCAA All American Scholar team

Lions to the NCAA Finals with a ninth-place finish in

selections on each of those teams. In 21 seasons at Penn

the NCAA East Regional. With their triumphant finish

State, the Nittany Lions have consistently achieved a

at the East Regional, the Nittany Lions became the first

team grade-point average greater than 3.00. In 2000-

team from either the Northeastern or Mid- Atlantic

01, Nye’s team received the award for the top GPA of

NCAA Districts to advance to the NCAA Finals since

the 29 teams at Penn State and three other years his Li-

the regional format was established in 1987.

ons topped all the men’s teams with latest in the spring

In 2004, his Nittany Lions rocked the collegiate golf

of 2014. Nye has coached 18 GCAA All-America

world by nearly winning the NCAA East Regional,

Scholars, one GTE Academic All-American and each

finishing second out of 27 teams, seven of which were

year he has seen a high percentage of the team rewarded

ranked in the nation’s top 15. Knocking off the nations

for their academic achievements with Academic All-Big

#1-ranked Florida Gators in the process. The Nittany

Ten honors.

Lions then went on to finish 15th among 30 teams at

Nye’s teams have continually ranked near or at the top

the NCAA Finals, making Penn State golf history with

of the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast Region. His team

its highest team and individual finish with Mark Leon

have qualified for the NCAA Championship Regional

finishing 6th.

18 times and reached the NCAA Championship Finals

The team headed into Big Ten territory for the 2008

4 times. In 2011, senior T.J. Howe competed individu-

edition of the NCAA regionals after receiving a bid to

ally at the Virginia Tech regional. His squads have also

the Central Regional hosted by Ohio State. The 13th-

won the Eastern Championship three straight seasons,

seeded Penn State team captured an eighth-place finish

1993-95, and in 1997.

to secure its third NCAA Finals berth under Coach

Nye was voted the Region/District NCAA Coach of

Nye.

the Year eight times, 1993, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2004,

The Penn State squad was propelled into the 2010

2008, 2009 and 2010. He has coached 39 NCAA All-

NCAA Finals in by seniors T.J. Howe and Kevin Foley.

District players, five Mid-Atlantic Region Players of the

The standout team performance secured a fourth-place

Year, eight All-Big Ten selections, as well as five NCAA

finish for the Nittany Lions at regionals upsetting sever-

All-Americans. Adam Decker (1997), Matt Abbott

al highly ranked teams finishing only two shots behind

(2001), Mark Leon (2004), Foley (2008/09/10) and

first place Texas. Howe’s first place finish made Penn

Howe (2010).

State history in that he became the first Lion to ever

Nye was voted the NCAA District II Coach of the

win a NCAA regional!

Year in 1993, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008 2009 and 2010. He has coached 52 All-Region honorees, five

passion for competitive golf at a few very special places with many outstanding people. Penn State has been

that mark was tied by the 1996-97 squad.

Personal Milestone at Marshall Invitational

Mid-Atlantic Region Players of the Year, eight All-Big Ten selections, as well as five NCAA All-Americans - Adam Decker (1997), Matt Abbott (2001), Mark

Penn State approach to intercollegiate athletics. Penn State supports our program to be competitive athleti-

In April 2007, Nye marked a personal achievement

cally on a conference and national level, but insists

while the Nittany Lions celebrated their victory at the

that the student-athlete’s education and well-being

Marshall Invitational, beating the next best team by

remain first and foremost.” — Coach Nye

12 strokes. The championship, won on a cool, snowy

Leon (2004), Foley (2008/09/10) and Howe (2010).

A Life In Golf

weekend at the Guyan Golf and Country Club, was the 50th of Nye’s coaching career. To date, Nye’s career coaching win total stands at 60.

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014-15

Assistant Coach Mark Leon

Meet the Nittany Lions Noteable Achievements

“The combination of both academic and athletic facilites was overwhelming,” said Leon. He recalls thinking that the campus and downtown area were unlike any of the other colleges he had visited thus far. He took an immediate liking to the overall feel of the Penn State community, however, he says what truly sold him was meeting his future teammates. “Everyone on the team hung out together, pulled for each other and took care of one another,” said Leon. “Coming from a large family, and another country, Penn State felt like a place that would feel like home. It turned out to be the best decision of my life.”

Assistant Coach Mark Leon MILESTONES - 4th season coaching - 4th season with Penn State PENN STATE CAREER STATISTICS - Years: 2001-05 - Rounds: 134 - Round Average: 73.79 - Low: 67 PENN STATE CAREER HONORS - 2004 GCAA All-America - 2004-05 All-Big Ten Selection

- 2003, 2004, 2005 All-Region Team - T-5th Career Scoring Leaders

Coming to Penn State Leon was initially introduced to the Penn State men’s golf program by former assistant coach Richard Distlerath while competing at an American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) event in Detroit, Mich., the summer after his senior year of high school. At the time, Leon still had one more year of high school to complete, with Canada requiring five years. Shortly after, Leon had the opportunity to meet with Coach Nye on his recruiting trip to Penn State. The trip marked the last of Leon’s five official college visits. He says from the moment he stepped on the campus he knew he was destined to end up in Happy Valley. 6

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Leon’s Time at Penn State Leon was a member of the Nittany Lion squad from 2001-05. He earned All-Big Ten honors in 2005, 2004 GCAA All-America recognition and All-Region 2003-05. He is tied for fifth on Penn State’s career scoring leaders list with a 73.79 average in the 134 rounds he played on the squad. As a junior, Leon led the team to a great finish in the 2004 NCAA championships. He posted a three-round, 1-under-par total of 279 (69-69-70-71) to tie for sixth, the best all-time finish in Penn State history.

Life After Graduation After graduating from Penn State in 2005, Leon pursued a career in golf. He brought acclaim to his alma mater when he made it to the quarterfinals of the 2005 U.S. Amateur Championship. The young graduate won his qualifier in Altoona and advanced to the quarterfinals. In 2006, Leon played on the Canadian National Team. He was a medalist in the 2006 Canadian Amateur and made match play in the U.S. Amateur for the second consecutive year. He went on to qualify for the Canadian Tour, of which he was a member of from 2007-10.

Leon Returns to Alma Mater After five years of competing as a professional, Leon made the decision to return to his alma mater as the assistant coach.

“I am thrilled to be coming back to State College and rejoining the golf team as a coach,” said Leon. “Being a studentathlete at Penn State provided me with great memories and friends that I will cherish for lifetime. To have the opportunity to come back and share in those experiences with a new generation of Penn State golfers is an opportunity that I am very much looking forward to.” Leon welcomed the opportunity to work in the new facilities and continue the success the program has experienced in years past. “Since I graduated in 2005 a lot has changed with our program, particularly with regard to the facilities,” said Leon. “Coach Nye and Coach (Jon) Dunlap really ushered in a new look for Penn State men’s golf, and it is reflected in the success of the team in the past six years. The Blue Course, team practice area and Tombros Varsity Clubhouse have given our team a worldclass facility to hone its skills and compete on a national level. Despite everything being so new and so different, it’s still like coming home for me. Like all proud alumni, I love this University and I will do my best to represent it as a coach.”

Shane

STEWART

Senior Dublin, Ohio Dublin Jerome High School

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 11-12 22 1,677 76.23 70 12-13 3 223 74.33 73 13-14 12 926 76.78 73 Fall 14 - - - Career 37 2,826 76.38 70

Lion Career

Year Tournament 11-12 Pinehurst Intercollegiate 11-12 Wolfpack Intercollegiate

Place Scores T-8 74-75-70 (219) T-25 72-78-71 (221)

Leon Family Tradition When asked about how he got involved in the sport of golf, Leon said it was something his dad, John, got him and his three siblings started in from a young age. The Leon siblings have all shared a love for the sport, which is made evident in all of their collegiate paths. The eldest Leon, Michael, played golf at the University of Victoria where he helped the team win a Canadian National Title in 2005. Matthew Leon, who followed Mark to Penn State, was one of the top junior golfers in Canada. He held a spot on the Nittany Lion roster from 2005-09. The youngest Leon, Vanessa, played golf for two years at Michigan State before transferring to the University of British Columbia. While there, she helped the team win an NAIA title in 2010.

Life in Happy Valley

2009 FCWT 3rd Team All-American 2013-14 Team Captain

Lion Career

Xander

MCDONALD-SMITH Senior Rockaway Park, N.Y. The Scholars’ Academy

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 11-12 23 1,751 76.09 73 12-13 21 1,584 75.43 69 13-14 28 2,097 74.89 69 Fall 14 3 222 74 72 Career 75 5,654 75.39 69

Year 11-12 12-13 13-14

Tournament Pinehurst Intercollegiate Rutherford Intercollegiate Colleton River Collegiate Georgetown Intercollegiate

Place Scores T-14th 73-74-73 (220) 3rd 76-72-72 (220) T-5th 78-81-72 (231) T-7th 71-74-69 (214)

Noteable Achievements

U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship Qualifier (2013) PING All-Northeast Regional Team (2013) North American Cup Team (3-0) Williamson Cup Team 3x NYC PSAL Champion 2x Qualifier for First Tee Open at Pebble Beach 2013 PING All-Northeast Regional Team 2014 NYC Amateur Champion 2014 MGA Public Links Champion 2014 Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar

After college, Leon married Jaime Stich, a member of the Penn State women’s soccer team from 2001-05. The couple resides in State College with their 3-year-old daughter, Cameron.

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

Assistant Coach Mark Leon

Meet the Nittany Lions Noteable Achievements

- 2003, 2004, 2005 All-Region Team - T-5th Career Scoring Leaders

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Leon Returns to Alma Mater After five years of competing as a professional, Leon made the decision to return to his alma mater as the assistant coach.

Shane

STEWART

Senior Dublin, Ohio Dublin Jerome High School

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 11-12 22 1,677 76.23 70 12-13 3 223 74.33 73 13-14 12 926 76.78 73 Fall 14 - - - Career 37 2,826 76.38 70

Lion Career

Year Tournament 11-12 Pinehurst Intercollegiate 11-12 Wolfpack Intercollegiate

Place Scores T-8 74-75-70 (219) T-25 72-78-71 (221)

Life in Happy Valley

2009 FCWT 3rd Team All-American 2013-14 Team Captain

Lion Career

Xander

MCDONALD-SMITH Senior Rockaway Park, N.Y. The Scholars’ Academy

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 11-12 23 1,751 76.09 73 12-13 21 1,584 75.43 69 13-14 28 2,097 74.89 69 Fall 14 3 222 74 72 Career 75 5,654 75.39 69

Year 11-12 12-13 13-14

Tournament Pinehurst Intercollegiate Rutherford Intercollegiate Colleton River Collegiate Georgetown Intercollegiate

Place Scores T-14th 73-74-73 (220) 3rd 76-72-72 (220) T-5th 78-81-72 (231) T-7th 71-74-69 (214)

Noteable Achievements

After college, Leon married Jaime Stich, a member of the Penn State women’s soccer team from 2001-05. The couple resides in State College with their 3-year-old daughter, Cameron.

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

Meet the Nittany Lions

Meet the Nittany Lions Career Statistics

Jens

TALBERT

Senior Little Rock, Ark. Little Rock Christian Academy

Lion Career Noteable Achievements

Big Ten Sportsmanship Award (2013) PING All-Northeast Regional Team (2013) PING All-Northeast Regional Team (2014) 2008 Southern Junior Championship Team State Champion-Arkansas FCWT All American 3x All-Conference honors 2x All-State honors #1 ranked player in Arkansas (Polo Rankings) 2014 Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar

Noteable Achievements

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 11-12 16 1,206 75.38 71 12-13 23 1,727 75.09 69 13-14 31 2,311 74.55 67 Fall 14 10 730 73.00 69 Career 80 5,897 73.71 67

Year 14-15 13-14 12-13 11-12

Tournament Georgetown Intercollegiate Wolverine Intercollegiate Middleburg Bank Int. Georgetown Intercollegiate Bank of Tenn. Intercollegiate Pinehurst Intercollegiate Hawkeye Invitational

Place Scores T-7th 74-69 (143) 8th 73-68-72 (213) T-10th 75-67-74 (216) T-8 73-69-74 (216) T-11th 73-73-69 (215) T-8 74-75-70 (219) T-16th 71-73-73 (217)

Chris

HOUSTON

Junior Gilford, N.H. Gilford Middle High School

2010 Two runner-up finishes in AJGA events 2012 First N.H. high school golfer to win 4 consecutive state titles 2013 U.S. Amateur Qualifier 2013 PING All-Northeast Regional Team 2014 U.S. Amateur Qualifier 2014 U.S. Open Qualifier

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 12-13 20 1,517 75.85 71 13-14 25 1,901 76.04 69 Fall 14 - - - Career 45 3,418 75.96 69

Lion Career

Year Tournament 12-13 Georgetown Intercollegiate Colleton River Collegiate

Place Scores T-8 72-71-73 (216) T-1st 80-77-71 (228)

Lion Career

Geoff Lion Career

DORNES

Junior Lancaster, Pa. Manheim Township High School

Year 12-13 13-14 14-15

Tournament Rutherford Intercollegiate Georgetown Intercollegiate Gopher Invitational Bank of Tennessee Int. Wolverine Intercollegiate

Noteable Achievements

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 12-13 13 972 74.77 69 13-14 31 2,281 73.58 68 Fall 14 13 928 71.38 66 Career 57 4,181 73.35 66

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

VARTELAS

Place Scores T-1st 73-69-74 (216) 6th 73-69-71 (213) T-10th 69-72-73 (214) T-8th 72-69 (141) T-3rd 71-66-71 (208)

2011 T-5th, T-22nd, T-30th in American Junior Golf Association 2012 Top-ranked high school player in state of PA 2013 U.S. Amateur Qualifier 2013 Sunnehana Amateur Qualifier 2014 PING All-Northeast Regional Team 2014 U.S. Amateur Qualifier 2014 U.S. Open Qualifier

Junior Cromwell, Conn. Xavier High School

Year 12-13 13-14

Tournament Cobra-PUMA Invitational Colleton River Collegiate Rutherford Intercollegiate

Place Scores T-16 74-69-73 (216) T-12th 85-76-74 (235) T-9th 74-73-70 (217)

Noteable Achievements

2009 Runner-up in AJGA Northeast Open 2011 Appearance at US Junior Amateur 2014 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award Honoree

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 12-13 21 1,612 76.76 69 13-14 22 1,682 76.45 70 Fall 14 5 364 72.80 69 Career 48 3,658 76.21 69

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

Meet the Nittany Lions

Meet the Nittany Lions Career Statistics

Jens

TALBERT

Senior Little Rock, Ark. Little Rock Christian Academy

Lion Career Noteable Achievements

Noteable Achievements

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 11-12 16 1,206 75.38 71 12-13 23 1,727 75.09 69 13-14 31 2,311 74.55 67 Fall 14 10 730 73.00 69 Career 80 5,897 73.71 67

Year 14-15 13-14 12-13 11-12

Tournament Georgetown Intercollegiate Wolverine Intercollegiate Middleburg Bank Int. Georgetown Intercollegiate Bank of Tenn. Intercollegiate Pinehurst Intercollegiate Hawkeye Invitational

Place Scores T-7th 74-69 (143) 8th 73-68-72 (213) T-10th 75-67-74 (216) T-8 73-69-74 (216) T-11th 73-73-69 (215) T-8 74-75-70 (219) T-16th 71-73-73 (217)

Chris

HOUSTON

Junior Gilford, N.H. Gilford Middle High School

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 12-13 20 1,517 75.85 71 13-14 25 1,901 76.04 69 Fall 14 - - - Career 45 3,418 75.96 69

Lion Career

Year Tournament 12-13 Georgetown Intercollegiate Colleton River Collegiate

Place Scores T-8 72-71-73 (216) T-1st 80-77-71 (228)

Lion Career

Geoff Lion Career

DORNES

Junior Lancaster, Pa. Manheim Township High School

Year 12-13 13-14 14-15

Tournament Rutherford Intercollegiate Georgetown Intercollegiate Gopher Invitational Bank of Tennessee Int. Wolverine Intercollegiate

Noteable Achievements

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 12-13 13 972 74.77 69 13-14 31 2,281 73.58 68 Fall 14 13 928 71.38 66 Career 57 4,181 73.35 66

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

VARTELAS

Place Scores T-1st 73-69-74 (216) 6th 73-69-71 (213) T-10th 69-72-73 (214) T-8th 72-69 (141) T-3rd 71-66-71 (208)

Junior Cromwell, Conn. Xavier High School

Year 12-13 13-14

Tournament Cobra-PUMA Invitational Colleton River Collegiate Rutherford Intercollegiate

Place Scores T-16 74-69-73 (216) T-12th 85-76-74 (235) T-9th 74-73-70 (217)

Noteable Achievements

2009 Runner-up in AJGA Northeast Open 2011 Appearance at US Junior Amateur 2014 Big Ten Sportsmanship Award Honoree

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 12-13 21 1,612 76.76 69 13-14 22 1,682 76.45 70 Fall 14 5 364 72.80 69 Career 48 3,658 76.21 69

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

Meet the Nittany Lions

2014-15 Review | Fall

Cody

Christian

Sophomore Milford, Pa. Delawayre Valley High School

Sophomore Port Perry, Ontario Canada

ELLIOTT

COX

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 13-14 6 478 79.67 73 Fall 14 10 735 73.50 68 Career 16 1,213 75.81 68

Wolverine Intercollegiate September 6-7, 2014

The Penn State men’s golf team posted a 3-over-par 855 (289-287-279) to finish second in a field of 11 at the Wolverine Intercollegiate in Ann Arbor, Mich. Junior JD Dornes (Lancaster, Pa.) paced the Nittany Lions with a tied-for-third placing and 5-under 208 on the U-M Golf Course. “JD [Dornes] just continues to play at higher and higher levels,” head coach Greg Nye said. “His play challenged his teammates to step it up in a big way.”

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 13-14 18 1,365 75.83 72 Fall 14 10 729 72.90 69 Career 28 2,094 74.79 69

Freshman Cole Miller (New Tripoli, Pa.) finished ninth overall as an individual in his collegiate golf debut, tallying a 66 in the final round to jump 22 places and total an even par 213 three-round score. Junior Geoff Vartelas (Cromwell, Conn.) and freshman Josh Rinehart (York, Pa.), marked 217’s to place tied for 23rd. “The promise we see in the play of Josh [Rinehart] and Cole [Miller] is exciting without question,” Nye said. Sophomore Christian Elliott (Port Perry, Ontario) shot his low round of 69 on the final 18 holes to finish tied for 32nd with a 220 while senior Xander McDonald-Smith (Rockaway Park, N.Y.) rounded out Penn State’s starting lineup with a 222 and tied-for-42nd position.

Josh

Cole

Freshman York, Pa. Yorktowne High School

Freshman New Tripoli, Pa. Northwestern Lehigh High School

RINEHART

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round Fall 14 6 465 77.50 70 Career 6 465 77.50 70

MILLER

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round Fall 14 13 944 72.62 66 Career 13 944 72.62 66

Lion Career

Year Tournament 14-15 Wolverine Intercollegiate Primland Collegiate Invite

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Place Scores T-9th 77-70-66 (213) T-3rd 70-69-66 (205)

Place Name Score T-3 JD Dornes 71-66-71=208 T-23 Josh Rinehart 74=73=70=217 T-23 Geoff Vartelas 72-76-69=217 T-32 Christian Elliott 78-73-69=220 T-42 X. McDonald-Smith 72-75-75=222 2nd of 11 teams PENN STATE 289-287-279=855

Wolf Run Intercollegiate September 20-21, 2014

Place Name Score T-11 J.D. Dornes 75-75-72=222 T-19 Cole Miller 74-78-75=227 T-19 Cody Cox 77-75-75=227 T-30 Jens Talbert 74-76-80=230 T-80 Josh Rinehart 84-81-83=248 T-5th of 15 teams PENN STATE 300-304-302=906

Primland Invitational September 29-30, 2014

Penn State fired a 26-under 838 (280-278-280) team score at the Primland Collegiate Invitational to finish third in a nine-team field and solidify the team’s best start since 2007. The Nittany Lions were led by freshman Cole Miller (New Tripoli, Pa.), who matched his career-low single round tally of 66 in round three to post an 11-under 205 at the Primland Resort. Miller rose from a tied-for-12th place position on day one to finish tied-for-third overall. Junior JD Dornes (Lancaster, Pa.) finished tied for 15th, nailing a 6-under 210 three-round score. Senior Jens Talbert (Little Rock, Ark.) was the third Penn Stater to finished in the top-25, shooting a 213 and earning a tied-for-24th ranking. Sophomores Cody Cox (Milford, Pa.) and Christian Elliott (Port Perry, Ontario) shot 54-hole scores of 214 and 218, respectively. Place Name Score T-3 Cole Miller 70-69-66=205 T-15 JD Dornes 69-69-72=210 T-24 Jens Talbert 69-73-71=213 T-27 Cody Cox 75-68-71=214 T-34 Christian Elliott 72-72-74=218 3 of 9 teams PENN STATE 280-278-280=838

The Penn State men’s golf team finished tied for fifth out of 15 at the Wolf Run Intercollegiate behind junior JD Dornes’ (Lancaster, Pa.) threeround mark of 222 (75-75-72). The Nittany Lions posted a 300-304-302 to finish with a 906 overall at the Wolf Run Golf Club in Zionsville, Ind. Freshman Cole Miller (New Tripoli, Pa.) and sophomore Cody Cox (Milford, Pa.) finished side-by-side with a tied-for-19th placing. Miller and Cox fired a pair of 227’s to contribute to the Penn State team tally. Senior Jens Talbert (Litte Rock, Ark.) finished tied for 30th in the field of 85 with a 230 (74-76-80). Freshman Josh Rinehart (York, Pa.) shot a 54hole score of 248 in his second collegiate golf appearance.

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

Meet the Nittany Lions

2014-15 Review | Fall

Cody

Christian

Sophomore Milford, Pa. Delawayre Valley High School

Sophomore Port Perry, Ontario Canada

ELLIOTT

COX

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 13-14 6 478 79.67 73 Fall 14 10 735 73.50 68 Career 16 1,213 75.81 68

Wolverine Intercollegiate September 6-7, 2014

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round 13-14 18 1,365 75.83 72 Fall 14 10 729 72.90 69 Career 28 2,094 74.79 69

Josh

Cole

Freshman York, Pa. Yorktowne High School

Freshman New Tripoli, Pa. Northwestern Lehigh High School

RINEHART

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round Fall 14 6 465 77.50 70 Career 6 465 77.50 70

MILLER

Career Statistics

Total Season Best Season Rounds Strokes Average Round Fall 14 13 944 72.62 66 Career 13 944 72.62 66

Lion Career

Year Tournament 14-15 Wolverine Intercollegiate Primland Collegiate Invite

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Place Scores T-9th 77-70-66 (213) T-3rd 70-69-66 (205)

Wolf Run Intercollegiate September 20-21, 2014

Primland Invitational September 29-30, 2014

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

2014-15 Review | Fall Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate Oct. 10-12

The Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate ended in just two rounds after persistent rain storms caused the cancellation of the final 18 holes early Sunday. Penn State finished the tournament in third place among a competitive field of 15, marking a 291 and 278 to tally a 7-under 569 at the Blackthorn Club. “It was very satisfying to see these guys battle a great field of teams in tough conditions and get the job done,” head coach Greg Nye said. Junior JD Dornes (Lancaster, Pa.) fired a 69 at the Blackthorn Club on Saturday to total a 3-under 141 strokes and finish tied for 8th. Sophomores Cody Cox (Milford, Pa.) and Christian Elliott (Port Perry, Ontario) completed the tournament just a stroke behind Dornes and tied for 12th overall. Senior Jens Talbert (Little Rock, Ark.) carded a 144 (73-71) 36-hole score. Freshman Cole Miller (New Tripoli, Pa.) rounded out the Nittany Lion lineup with a two-round score of 149.

Place T-8th T-12th T-12th T-25th T-60th 3rd of 15 teams

Name JD Dornes Cody Cox Christian Elliott Jens Talbe rt Cole Miller PENN STATE

Score 72-69=141 73-69=142 73-69=142 73-71=144 76-73=149 291-278=569

2013-14 Review | Fall Georgetown Intercollegiate

Gopher Invitational

The Penn State men’s golf team placed tied-for-sixth overall in a 12-team field at the Georgetown Intercollegiate Tuesday, posting a 589 (294-295) two-round tally at the Members Club at Four Streams.

The Penn State men’s golf team traveled to Independence, Minn. to open their fall season Sept. 8-9 for the Gopher Invitational. For the first time, this tournament was held at the Windsong Farm Golf Club, a 7,152-yard, par-71 course. Penn State was part of a 12-team field, including Baylor, California, Central Arkansas, Iowa State, Kent State, host school Minnesota, New Mexico, Notre Dame, St. John’s (MN), Toledo, and Michigan State. The Nittany Lions placed 8th among the field with an 875 total. Sophomore JD Dornes finished tied-for-tenth overall, leading the Nittany Lions in the opener of their 2013-14 campaign. Dornes marked a career best three-round score with his 1-over 214 tally. “JD Dornes played one heck of a tournament,” head coach Greg Nye said. “What a lift he gave us. He put us in a position to move up in the field with two or three more low scores.” Junior Xander McDonald-Smith shot a 71 in the final round of the tournament to bring his total to 218, matching his career best 54-hole score. McDonald-Smith improved from 27th place to finish tied-for-19th individually. Sophomore Chris Houston posted a 221 three-round total and finished tied-for-30th. One stroke behind Houston was junior Jens Talbert who placed tied-for-35th. Sophomore Geoff Vartelas improved his standing by two places on Monday, shooting his tournament-best round of 75 on the final 18 holes. Vartelas finished with a 236 overall. “It was a top field of teams and the guys hung in there, turning some average starts into quality rounds,” said Nye.

October 20-21, 2014

Senior Jens Talbert (Little Rock, Ark.) shot a 69, matching his season-low, in the final round to move up 17 places on the leaderboard and solidify a top-10 finish. Talbert’s 143 earned him a tied-for-7th ranking. Junior JD Dornes’ (Lancaster, Pa.) 147 strokes were good enough to place him tied for 18th, while sophomore Christian Elliott (Port Perry, Ontario) notched a 149 through 36 holes. Elliott finished tied for 27th. Freshman Cole Miller (New Tripoli, Pa.) trailed Elliott by one stroke, shooting a 150 two-round total. Sophomore Cody Cox (Milford, Pa.) rounded out the scoring for the Nittany Lion starters with 152 strokes. Junior Geoff Vartelas (Cromwell, Conn.) matched Dornes’ on the links, also posting a 147 as an individual.

Place T-7th T-18th T-27th T-34th T-41st *T-18th T-6th of 12 teams

Name Jens Talbert JD Dornes Christian Elliott Cole Miller Cody Cox Geoff Vartelas PENN STATE

Score 74-69=143 73-74=147 74-75=149 73-77=150 74-78=152 73-74=147 295-292-289=876

September 8-9, 2013

Place Name Score T-10 JD Dornes 69-72-73=214 T-19 X. McDonald-Smith 76-71-71=218 T-30 Chris Houston 74-72-75=221 T-35 Jens Talbert 73-74-74=222 60 Geoff Vartelas 85-76-75=236 8th of 12 teams PENN STATE 292-289-294=875

Wolverine Intercollegiate September 16-17, 2013

The Penn State men’s golf team traveled to Ann Arbor, Mich. to compete in the Wolverine Intercollegiate, a two-day, 54-hole tournament beginning Monday, Sept. 16. The 6,704 yard, par 71 UM Golf Course played host to an 11-team field, including Penn State, Detroit, Eastern Michigan, Lamar, tournament host Michigan, Michigan State, Miami (Ohio), Oakland, San Jose State, Toledo, and Xavier. Penn State posted an 864 total score to earn a sixth place finish. Junior Jens Talbert finished in eighth place overall, making par with a 213 (73-68-72). Talbert’s second round mark of 68 beat his previous careerlow single round score (69). Junior Xander McDonald-Smith posted a 217 through 54 holes, finishing tied-for-19th. Sophomore Geoff Vartelas concluded his play on the U-M Golf Course one stroke behind McDonald-Smith, shooting a 218 (74-70-74), finishing tied-for-21st. 12

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Sophomore JD Dornes placed tied-for-24th overall with a 219 total. Rounding out team play for Penn State was sophomore Chris Houston, who improved three positions in the final round to finish 45th. His tournament-best round of 71 on the last 18 holes brought his three-round score to a 225. Senior captain Shane Stewart played as an individual and completed the tournament with a 228. Place Name Score 8 Jens Talbert 73-68-72=213 T-19 X. McDonald-Smith 74-71-72=217 T-21 Geoff Vartelas 74-70-74=218 T-24 JD Dornes 70-75-74=219 45 Chris Houston 76-7871=225 *T-50 *Shane Stewart *78-73-77=228 7th of 11 teams PENN STATE 291-284-289=864

Windon Memorial Classic September 22-23, 2013

The Nittany Lion men’s golf team took on the 54-hole Windon Memorial Classic Sept. 22-23 at the Knollwood Club in Lake Forest, Ill. The 16-team field of Arkansas, Coastal Carolina, DePaul , Harvard, Iowa, Kent State, Lamar, Marquette, Michigan, North Texas, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Tulsa, and UC Davis competed on a 7,202-yard, par-72 course. The Knollwood Club has hosted both the USGA’s Amateur and MidAmateur Championship. This course is also hosting the 17th Windon Memorial Classic for the first time since 2000 when Hunter Mahan won the individual title. The Nittany Lions tied-for-13h overall, shooting a 297 in the fnal round to total an 898. Sophomore JD Dornes moved up ten places from day one of the tournament, finishing tied-for-27th with a 221 (70-78-73) tally. Junior Jens Talbert shot a 78 in round three, to bring his score to 226 with a tied-for49th place finish. Sophomore Chris Houston played his best round on the final 18 holes, posting a 73 to bring his three-round score to a 228 and a tied-for-57th placing. One stroke behind Houston was sophomore Geoff Vartelas, who also marked his best score of 73 in the final round. Vartelas finish tiedfor-61st with a 229. Junior Xander McDonald-Smith matched Vartelas, marking a 75-75-79 in rounds one, two, and three, respectively. Place Name Score T-27 JD Dornes 70-78-73=221 T-49 Jens Talbert 73-75-78=226 T-57 Chris Houston 76-79-73=228 T-61 X. McDonald-Smith 75-75-79=229 T-61 Geoff Vartelas 76-80-73=229 T-13th of 16 teams PENN STATE 294-307-297=898

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

2014-15 Review | Fall Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate Oct. 10-12

Place T-8th T-12th T-12th T-25th T-60th 3rd of 15 teams

Name JD Dornes Cody Cox Christian Elliott Jens Talbe rt Cole Miller PENN STATE

Score 72-69=141 73-69=142 73-69=142 73-71=144 76-73=149 291-278=569

2013-14 Review | Fall Georgetown Intercollegiate

Gopher Invitational

October 20-21, 2014

Place T-7th T-18th T-27th T-34th T-41st *T-18th T-6th of 12 teams

Name Jens Talbert JD Dornes Christian Elliott Cole Miller Cody Cox Geoff Vartelas PENN STATE

Score 74-69=143 73-74=147 74-75=149 73-77=150 74-78=152 73-74=147 295-292-289=876

September 8-9, 2013

Wolverine Intercollegiate September 16-17, 2013

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Windon Memorial Classic September 22-23, 2013

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

2013-14 Review | Fall Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate October 11-13, 2013

After more than two weeks without competition, the Penn State men’s golf team returned to the links at the Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate Oct. 11-13 in Jonesborough, Tenn. The par-72, 7,147 yard Blackthorn Club at The Ridges welcomed a 14-team field, including Penn State, Army, Coastal Carolina, ETSU, Furman, Kent State, Memphis, Missouri, Tennessee, Villanova, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and UNC Wilmington. Juniors Xander McDonald-Smith and Jens Talbert looked to lead the Nittany Lions throughout the three-day tournament, as well as sophomores JD Dornes and Geoff Vartelas. Making his first Penn State career start was freshman Cody Cox (Milford, Pa.). Freshman Christian Elliott (Port Perry, Ontario) also made his first trip for the Lions playing as an individual. The team posted a score of 911 (305-295-311) and placed 13th overall. Sophomore JD Dornes led the Nittany Lion starters consistently throughout the 54 holes, shooting a 73, 71, and 76 in rounds one, two, and three, respectively. His 4-over 220 total earned him a tied-for-40th placing overall. Junior Jens Talbert marked a 78 in the final round to bring his score to 227 and a tied-for-62nd finish. Sophomore Xander McDonald-Smith was not far behind Talbert with a total of 229 through three rounds of play. Sophomore Geoff Vartelas posted a 235 at the Blackthorn Club and earned a tiedfor-70th placing. Finalizing the Penn State starting roster was Cody Cox, who shot a 256 in his first collegiate golf tournament. Freshman Christian Elliott played as an individual in his first time traveling with the Lions. Elliott tied-for-56th on the leader board with a 9-over 225 (72-79-74).

Place T-40th T-56th* T-62nd 65th T-70th 77th 13th of 14 teams

Name JD Dornes Christian Elliott* Jens Talbert X. McDonald-Smith Geoff Vartelas Cody Cox PENN STATE

Score 73-71-76=220 72-79-74=225 74-75-78=227 78-75-76=229 80-74-81=235 83-92-81=256 305-295-311=911

Georgetown Intercollegiate October 21-22, 2013

The Georgetown Intercollegiate at The Members Club at Four Streams in Beallsville, Md. Oct. 21-22 was Penn State’s last competition of the fall 2013 season. The 12 team field featured some of the nation’s best, including No. 9 UAB and No. 80 Notre Dame. Penn State also squared off against host team Georgetown, Campbell, DePaul, Miami University (Ohio), Saint Joseph’s, Toledo, West Florida, William & Mary, and Xavier. The Members Club at Four Streams boasts a par 71, 6,952 yard course. Nittany Lion starters included juniors Jens Talbert and Xander McDonald-Smith; sophomores Chris Houston and JD Dornes; and freshman Christian Elliott. Elliott made his first start for Penn State after playing as an individual in the Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate. The team concluded their fall 2013 campaign in strong fashion, finishing the Georgetown Intercollegiate in third place with an 876 team score (295-292-289). 14

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

2013-14 Review | Spring “We were looking to gain some traction going into spring,” head coach Greg Nye said. “We got a big push from JD [Dornes] and Xander [McDonald-Smith] stepping up. The guys have learned a ton this fall.” Three Nittany Lions finished in the top-25 on the leader board to help propel the team through 54 holes of play. Sophomore JD Dornes shot an even par 213 (73-6971) to earn him a sixth-place ranking. Dornes’ 213 marks his best 3-round score to date. Junior Xander McDonald-Smith marked a career-best 69 in the third round to move him up six places overall from day one. McDonald-Smith’s 1-over 214 tally was good enough to place him tied-for-7th. Junior Jens Talbert also improved six places on day two of the Georgetown Intercollegiate, posting a 74 in round three to total a 224. Talbert finished tied-for-24th, while freshman Christian Elliott was one stroke behind Talbert and rounded out his first collegiate start tied-for-31st overall. Sophomore Chris Houston marked a 237 on the Members Club at Four Streams and finished in 62nd place. “Today their fight down the final holes paid off. I give the guys a ton of credit,” Nye said. Place 6th T-7th T-24th T-31st 62nd 11th of 13 teams

Name JD Dornes X. McDonald-Smith Jens Talbert Christian Elliott Chris Houston PENN STATE

Score 73-69-71=213 71-74-69=214 75-75-74=224 76-74-75=225 76-82-79=237 295-292-289=876

Seminole Intercollegiate

Kepler Intercollegiate

The Penn State men’s golf team finished 11th at the Seminole Intercollegiate, posting an 898 (301-297-300) at the Southwood Golf Course in Tallahassee, Fla. Junior Jens Talbert (Little Rock, Ark.) improved his ranking 10 spots on day two, moving to a tied-for-36th finish with a 224 total (75-76-73). Sophomore JD Dornes (Lancaster, Pa.) shot a pair of 75’s in the final two rounds to match Talbert’s tournament score and finish. Freshman Christian Elliott (Port Perry, Ontario) shot a 76-72-77 and junior Xander McDonald-Smith (Rockaway Park, N.Y.) marked a 76-7475 scoring sequence, both closing out their performances only one stroke behind Talbert and Dornes and tying for fortieth. Sophomore Chris Houston (Gilford, N.H.) finished tied-for-66th with a 236. Senior Shane Stewart (Dublin, Ohio), who played as an individual, posted a 238 through 54 holes.

The Penn State men’s golf team finished the Kepler Intercollegiate Sunday in 12th place, shooting a 308-293-308 to bring the team’s score to a 909 on the Scarlet Course at the Ohio State University Golf Club. Sophomore JD Dornes (Lancaster, Pa.) dropped to a tied-for-20th place finish, but led the Nittany Lions throughout the two-day tournament. Dornes posted an 80 on the final 18 holes to put up a 222 total. Junior Jens Talbert (Little Rock, Ark.) improved 11 places in the final round, shooting a 226 and finishing tied-for-34th. Sophomore Geoff Vartelas (Cromwell, Conn.) posted a 230 (83-70-77) to place him tied-for-59th, while senior Shane Stewart (Dublin, Ohio) placed 70th with a 235 mark. Freshman Christian Elliott (Port Perry, Ontario) shot his best round in day two of the tournament, tallying a 77 to bring his total to a 240.

March 14-16, 2014

Place T-36th T-36th T-40th T-40th T-66th 11th of 13 teams

Name Jens Talbert JD Dornes X. McDonald-Smith Christian Elliott Chris Houston PENN STATE

Score 75-76-73=224 74-75-75=224 76-74-75=225 76-72-77=225 77-81-78=236 301-297-300=898

April 12-23, 2014

Place T-20th T-34th T-59th 70th 78th 12th of 15 teams

Name JD Dornes Jens Talbert Geoff Vartelas Shane Stewart Christian Elliott PENN STATE

Score 74-68-80=222 74-77-75=226 83-70-77=230 78-78-79=235 82-81-77=240 308-293-308=909

Middleburg Bank Intercollegiate March 23-25, 2014

Penn State shot its lowest round on day three of the Middleburg Bank Intercollegiate at the River Course at Kingsmill to improve to an eighth place overall finish in a field of 27 with a team score of 881 (303-292-286). Two Nittany Lions finished in the top-20 individually. Junior Jens Talbert (Little Rock, Ark.) finished tied-for-10th with a 216 tally. Sophomore JD Dornes (Lancaster, Pa.) moved up from his round two placing tying for 17th, shooting his lowest score on the final 18 holes to total a 218 (73-73-72). Sophomore Chris Houston (Gilford, N.H.) marked a career-low round score of 69 Tuesday to earn him a 223 total and a tied-for-45th finish. Junior Xander McDonald-Smith (Rockaway Park, N.Y.) and freshman Christian Elliott (Port Perry, Ontario) both shot a 228 through 54 holes. Place T-10th T-17th T-45th T-72nd T-72nd 8th of 17 teams

Name Jens Talbert JD Dornes Chris Houston X. McDonald-Smith Christian Elliott PENN STATE

Score 75-67-74=216 73-73-72=218 78-76-69=223 80-77-71=228 77-76-75=228 303-292-286=881

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

2013-14 Review | Fall Bank of Tennessee Intercollegiate October 11-13, 2013

Place T-40th T-56th* T-62nd 65th T-70th 77th 13th of 14 teams

Name JD Dornes Christian Elliott* Jens Talbert X. McDonald-Smith Geoff Vartelas Cody Cox PENN STATE

Score 73-71-76=220 72-79-74=225 74-75-78=227 78-75-76=229 80-74-81=235 83-92-81=256 305-295-311=911

Georgetown Intercollegiate October 21-22, 2013

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Name JD Dornes X. McDonald-Smith Jens Talbert Christian Elliott Chris Houston PENN STATE

Score 73-69-71=213 71-74-69=214 75-75-74=224 76-74-75=225 76-82-79=237 295-292-289=876

Seminole Intercollegiate

Kepler Intercollegiate

March 14-16, 2014

Place T-36th T-36th T-40th T-40th T-66th 11th of 13 teams

Name Jens Talbert JD Dornes X. McDonald-Smith Christian Elliott Chris Houston PENN STATE

Score 75-76-73=224 74-75-75=224 76-74-75=225 76-72-77=225 77-81-78=236 301-297-300=898

April 12-23, 2014

Place T-20th T-34th T-59th 70th 78th 12th of 15 teams

Name JD Dornes Jens Talbert Geoff Vartelas Shane Stewart Christian Elliott PENN STATE

Score 74-68-80=222 74-77-75=226 83-70-77=230 78-78-79=235 82-81-77=240 308-293-308=909

Middleburg Bank Intercollegiate March 23-25, 2014

Name Jens Talbert JD Dornes Chris Houston X. McDonald-Smith Christian Elliott PENN STATE

Score 75-67-74=216 73-73-72=218 78-76-69=223 80-77-71=228 77-76-75=228 303-292-286=881

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

2013-14 Review | Spring Rutherford Intercollegiate April 19-20, 2014

Penn State’s third round surge fell short at the Blue Course, finishing tied-for-eighth overall with an 885 (299-288-298) at the 28th annual Rutherford Intercollegiate. Sophomore Geoff Vartelas (Cromwell, Conn.) fired a 70 in round three to propel him into the top-ten with a tied-for-ninth place finish. Vartelas’ 4-over 217 mark powers past his 2013 tournament score of 236. Sophomore Chris Houston (Gilford, N.H.) posted three-round total of 223 (76-70-77), matching his score from a year prior. Houston dropped to a tied-for-36th ranking on day two. Sophomore JD Dornes (Lancaster, Pa.) came up short in his pursuit of a back-to-back first place finish in the Rutherford Intercollegiate, closing out play tied-for-39th with a 224. Junior Xander McDonald-Smith (Rockaway Park, N.Y.) shot his tournament-low round of 70 in the third to bring his two-day total to a 227. Junior Jens Talbert (Little Rock, Ark.) rounded out scoring for the Penn State starters, shooting a 229 to finish tied-for-57th. Two Nittany Lion freshmen made their Rutherford Intercollegiate debut as individuals. Christian Elliott (Port Perry, Ontario) and Cody Cox (MIlford, Pa.) both tied-for-29th with 9-over 222 tallies. Junior Ryan Worthy (Chester Springs, Pa.) bested his 2013 score of 234 by posting a 229 (77-78-74). Senior Shane Stewart (Dublin, Ohio) battled injury to finish with a 235 mark. Place T-9th T-29th T-29th T-36th T-39th T-49th T-57th T-57th T-69th 8th of 14 teams

Name Geoff Vartelas Cody Cox Christian Elliott Chris Houston JD Dornes X. McDonald-Smith Jens Talbert Ryan Worthy Shane Stewart PENN STATE

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Score 74-73-70=217 74-73-75=222 74-74-74=222 76-70-77=223 73-73-78=224 76-78-73=227 77-78-74=229 77-78-74=229 78-79-78=235 299-288-298=885

Michael Carter Legacy Big Ten Championships May 2-4, 2014

The Penn State men’s golf team rounded out its 2013-14 campaign at the Big Ten Championships with a ninth place finish among the 12-team conference field. The Nittany Lions posted a four-round total of 1221(307-300-315-299) on the Pete Dye Course, edging their 2013 mark by three strokes. Junior Jens Talbert (Little Rock, Ark.) held on to his tied-for-24th place ranking from round three, shooting a 74 on the final 18 holes to bring his tournament score to a 304. Junior JD Dornes (Lancaster, Pa.) improved 11 places on the third day of play to finish tied-for-31st. Dornes tallied a 306 through 72 holes. Sophomore Chris Houston (Gilford, N.H.) shot a 77 Sunday to bring his four-round total to a 308, earning him a tied-for-41st finish. Junior Xander McDonald-Smith (Rockaway Park, N.Y.) notched a 310, while sophomore Geoff Vartelas (Cromwell, Conn.) shot his best 18-hole score in round four (75) to total a 317. Place Name Score T-24th Jens Talbert 75-74-81-74=304 T-31st JD Dornes 81-73-79-73=306 T-41st Chris Houston 76-78-77-77=308 T-45th X. McDonald-Smith 79-76-78-77=310 T-53rd Geoff Vartelas 77-77-88-75=317 9th of 12 teams PENN STATE 307-300-315-299=1221

IN MEMORIAM

Mike Carter’s Legacy Lives On With Tree and Scholarship The Penn State golf family is still healing from the loss of Mike Carter — the spunky and colorful sophomore player from Westfield, N.J. - who passed away on February 13, 2002. Carter, who was known around the course and across campus for his upbeat attitude and engaging personality, was returning home when his car lost control and went off the roadway. Penn State was devastated and the Nittany Lions golf family mourned and remembered their fallen teammate with unity and grace. The men’s team wore pink pants as a tribute to Carter at the 2002 Rutherford Invitational, the Big Ten Championship and the NCAA East Regional. “He was a very bright light on our team, and we will always remember how he lived each day to the fullest,” said Coach Nye. To ensure that the memory of Mike Carter lives on in perpetuity, the Penn State golf family and the Carter family have taken two significant measures. In the spring of 2002, the Penn State team and coaches planted a red maple tree near the 18th hole on the home Blue Course in State College, Pa. and dedicated it, with a plaque, to Mike Carter. In 2003, Michael and Mary Lou Carter endowed a grant in the name of their son to be awarded annually to the golf program.

Above: The red maple tree, which was planted by near the 18th hole of the Blue Course Left: Flowers and a pictorial were placed in memoriam at the Penn State Golf Course Club House.

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

2013-14 Review | Spring Rutherford Intercollegiate April 19-20, 2014

Name Geoff Vartelas Cody Cox Christian Elliott Chris Houston JD Dornes X. McDonald-Smith Jens Talbert Ryan Worthy Shane Stewart PENN STATE

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Score 74-73-70=217 74-73-75=222 74-74-74=222 76-70-77=223 73-73-78=224 76-78-73=227 77-78-74=229 77-78-74=229 78-79-78=235 299-288-298=885

Michael Carter Legacy Big Ten Championships May 2-4, 2014

IN MEMORIAM

Above: The red maple tree, which was planted by near the 18th hole of the Blue Course Left: Flowers and a pictorial were placed in memoriam at the Penn State Golf Course Club House.

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

Lions on Tour Penn State has long been a training ground for golfers to elevate their game. Upon graduation, several alumni have continued to compete in the sport and pursue their dreams of playing on the PGA Tour. While 2013 was a milestone year with Kevin Foley earning status on the PGA Tour, there were many players before him that have blazed a trail in the professional ranks, and may who continue to compete successfully on various tours in the hopes of joining Kevin on Golf ’s grandest stage. Three-time All-American Kevin Foley graduated in 2010 and has adjusted quickly to the pro game, enjoying an unprecedented rise through the ranks. Kevin’s first season as a professional was highlighted by his win in the 2011 New Jersey State Open. In 2012 he split time between the EGolfTour and Web.com tour. After establishing himself as one of the premier players on the EGolf Tour with 6 top-10s in 11 events and a win at the Pine Needles Classic, Kevin focused his attention back to the Web. com Tour where a 5th place finish at the Web.com Nationwide Children’s Hospital Invitational earned him enough money to gain status for the remainder of the year. Kevin finished the year with $119,000 in earnings giving him full status on Web.com for 2013. In 2013, Kevin picked up where he left off by winning the first event of the season at the Panama Claro Championship. Foley ultimately finished 24th on the money list in August 2013, earning a spot in the coveted “25”, and making him the first Nittany Lion since Dan O’Neill to earn a PGA Tour card. “Since his graduation Kevin has created another great story as a professional. Two years ago, Kevin had zero status on any of the levels of the professional tours. Today, he is a member of the PGA Tour. We couldn’t be prouder of him, and look forward to watching him on tour this coming year,” head coach Greg Nye said. TJ Howe is a 2011 graduate that is making his impact felt in the professional ranks. A 2010 All-American selection, TJ immediately adjusted to life on tour. TJ enjoyed a successful rookie campaign on the Egolf Professional Tour with 4 top-10’s in 17 events in 2012 and $26,573 in earnings. Based in the Southeastern United States, the EGolf Tour is regarded by many as the most competitive mini-tour in the United States. While 2012 was a solid start for Howe, 2013 proved to be his breakout season on the EGolf Tour. TJ led the EGolf Professional Tour in total wins, with victories at The Forest Oaks Classic, The Mid Pines Classic, and the Cabarrus Classic. Ultimately his fine play resulted in a 3rd place finish on the money list with $60,479. TJ also has two victories on the NGA Tour, and he is poised to make the jump to the Web. com Tour in 2014. Robert Rohanna has enjoyed success as a pro since leaving Happy Valley in 2008, and it looks as though his best golf is ahead of him. Robert won the 2010 Pennsylvania Open, and is poised for a breakout season in 2014. Robert proved to be a dominant force on the NGA Tour throughout the winter of 2013-14, finishing in the top 5 in each of his four events, highlighted by a win at Harmony Golf Preserve in November. Robert capped his successful NGATour campaign by earning full status on PGA Tour Latinoamerica, where the top 5 money earners gain Web.com Tour membership for 2015. Robert will compete alongside many of the world’s top up and coming players on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica this season, and we look forward to following his progress. Mark Leon, a 2005 grad, earned Canadian Tour exempt status in the fall of 2007 after competing for Team Canada in 2006. Leon retained his status on the Canadian Tour for three seasons. He advanced to the 2nd round of PGA Tour Q-School in 2008, narrowly missing out on q-school finals and a Web.com tour card by two strokes. Leon also made the cut in the 2007 Nationwide Tour’s Northeastern PA Classic and spent time playing on the Great Lakes Tour, winning the 2010 Mandarin Classic before returning to Penn State as assistant coach in 2011. Greg Pieczynski (class of 2006) won the 2008 Philadelphia Open as well as the 2008 Philadelphia PGA Assistants Championship. He finished seventh at the PGA National Assistants Championship in 2008. A native of Kingston, PA, Pieczyinski also played in the Northeastern PA Classic on the Nationwide Tour in 2004, and from 2007-2009. 18

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Penn State Golf History Matt Abbott, a 2001 graduate has seen great success on the Gateway Tour and Minor League Tour. On the Gateway Tour he earned over $91,000 and made 32-of40 cuts in his last two seasons on the tour. On the Minor League Tour, Abbott has earned numerous victories and over $20,000 in earnings. Jimbo Fuller, a 2003 graduate, began his professional career in 2006 on the Grey Goose Gateway Tour and had a very successful season. Fuller won one tournament, made 14-of-22 cuts and earned over $55,000. In 2006, Fuller qualified for the second stage of the PGA Tour Q-School. Adam Decker (1996) is now the head coach for the University of Richmond, and has played in PGA Tour & Nationwide Tour events, including the 1998 Kemper Open, 2000 Florida Classic, 2001 Hershey Open and the 2001 Greater Cleveland Open. He had also played on the former Tear Drop Tour, where he won twice, and on the Golden Bear Tour, where he accumulated over $45,000. Dirk Ayers, a 1995 alum, has been a regular on the Canadian Tour. He joined the tour in 1997 through Q-School and has been a member ever since. His best year on the Canadian Tour was in 2004 when he finished runner-up twice and finished ninth on the money list with over $42,000 in earnings. Ayers has also played in several PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour events. He made the cut at the PGA Tour’s Canadian Open in 2004 and played the B.C. Open in 1998. His Nationwide Tour experiences include the 1996 Buffalo Open, 2003 Alberta Calgary Classic and 2004 Boise Open. Ayers has also competed on the Australasian PGA Tour. 1993 alum, Jason Tyska perhaps turned in the most impressive performance by becoming the second Penn Stater to qualify for the U.S. Open but first to make the cut at the 1999 Open held in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Tyska went on to finish 53rd. He earned his way on to the 1999 Nationwide Tour by making it through all three stages of PGA Tour Q-school. He went on to make the cut in 12 events where he had four top-10 finishes. In 2000, Tyska played in four Nationwide Tour events and qualified for the PGA Tour’s Michelob Championship at Kingsmill. Danny O’Neill is the only Penn Stater to qualify for both the U.S. Open (1985) and U.S. Senior Open (2001). O’Neill is a 1972 graduate of Penn State. O’Neill remains the only Penn Stater to earn All-America honors all four years of his career. In his career, O’Neill has played in the 1990 & 1996 Buffalo Open (Nationwide Tour). He qualified for the 2002 U.S. Senior PGA Tour by finished 4th at the final stage. In his rookie year on tour (2002), Danny played in 29 events and earned over $216,000. “Penn State has had its share of talented players through the years,” Coach Nye said. “The young men who come into our program are here for education first, but they all have the tour as a goal or a dream. It is with great pride that we watch their efforts to play at the highest levels of the game.” You can continue to follow along with our professional alumni by following the link to our lions in the Pros feature on gopsusports.com.

Willie Parks was the designer and creator of the first Penn State golf course. The first golf holes were laid out on the Penn State campus in the late 1800s. The game became more and more popular and eventually became a 9-hole course in 1901. Known as the Golf Club of State College, the club became so popular that 50 percent of the faculty and students played the game. The possible location of this routing existed near the current location of Pollock Hall with some claiming that the location was closer to the present location of Beaver Stadium. In December of 1908, a new club was proposed and the generous support of Mr. H. Walton Mitchell, a strong alumnus and faithful alumni trustee, and other owners leased land known as the Dale Farm at a reduced rate for the purpose of a new club. The land was maintained by the course caretaker who lived in the farmhouse with their family and not only maintained the course with a flock of sheep but also would earn part pay from the produce he could raise off the land not occupied by the links. It is believed that the area of land is where parts of the current White Course are located today. Former Penn State Athletic Director Hugo Bezdek, hired in 1918, wanted the University to have better golf facilities and eventually a varsity team. In 1921, with public school money and a dream in his bag, Bezdek lured Golf Professional Robert B. Rutherford Sr., from New Britain, Conn. to oversee the change from a nine-hole course to an 18-hole championship course. Bezdek and Rutherford hired Willie Park Jr., an internationally known figure who designed some of the best courses in both the United States and Europe. Park, a native of Musselburgh, Scotland, won The British Open in 1887 and 1889.

The annual college championship was a popular event that was contested each fall on the college links. In 1922, Rutherford, nicknamed “Pop,” was named Head Coach and organized the first men’s golf team at Penn State. It was from the college championship that Rutherford would form the first varsity team. The team members were: J.W. Crookston (Captain), F.E. Dale, T.F. Connell, J.L. Bair, and C.M. Andrews (Manager). The first match in Penn State varsity golf history was played on the new campus course on May 26, 1922. The Nittany Lion golfers were defeated by the University of Pennsylvania in their intercollegiate debut by a score of four to three. Had the Lions defeated Penn, they likely would have been invited to The Intercollegiates (National Championship). In 1923, intercollegiate golf began to take shape. Yale, Harvard, Princeton, Cornell, Dartmouth, Columbia, Penn and Williams developed plans to form a golf league. With the steady growth and interest in golf at Penn State, it was only a matter of time before Penn State joined. Each team in the league was to play matches and the team with the best record was declared the champion. With the 1923 Nittany Lion schedule finalized, word was received in April that Penn State had been admitted to the Intercollegiate Golf League. Penn State would begin league play in 1924. The 1923 schedule included matches against Princeton, Lock Haven CC, Penn and Pittsburgh. The Lions would finish their second season of intercollegiate golf with a 6-1 record and were invited to The Intercollegiates where they went on to finish in eighth place. The first undefeated season in school history occurred in 1927. That year, Penn State went 5-0-1. The Lions proved to always be a challenge on the links during Pop’s years. The Lions only had three losing seasons from 1927 to 1942.

The War Years Through the Mid-Fifties With the major developments of World War II in the mid 1940s Rutherford was forced to have a limited schedule in 1943 and 44 and was unable to field a team in 1945 and 46. Varsity golf returned to Penn State in 1947 with a limited schedule. The Lions played five dual matches, finishing third at the EIGA Championship and 25th at The Intercollegiate. Rutherford’s team went on to have three more undefeated campaigns with the most significant being in 1948. The 1948 squad went into the EIGA Playoffs with an unblemished record of 3-0. The linksmen went on to beat Pitt, 8-1, Cornell, 6-3, and Army, 9-0, to reach the EIGA Championships in Atlantic City, N.J. In the first round of the finals, Penn State went on to beat a tough Georgetown

squad by a score of 6-3. Penn State had reached the championship match for the first time in school history. Penn State’s previous best finish at the EIGA Finals had been in 1947 where they finished in third. The 1948 squad, captained by Donald Hart, was not going to be denied the afternoon of May 15, 1948. The Nittany Lions came out hot and would not cool down. All six Lions would win their matches in dominating fashion and therefore also claim the three best-ball matches. They went on to shut out 21-time NCAA Champion, Yale, by a score of 9-0 and became the first Non-Ivy league school to win the EIGA Championship. Coach Boyle was a starting member of the 1948 team and remembered the history made by winning the EIGA with a twinkle in his eye. “We were so excited to win the Eastern Intercollegiate as those Ivy teams were awfully tough in those days,” Joe Boyle said. The team would go on to finish the season undefeated with a record of 10-0 and would go on to finish in 16th place at the NCAA championships in Palo Alto, Calif. The first Grant-in-Aid (Golf Scholarship) was awarded to Rod Eaken of Reading, Pa. In the early summer of 1950, a freshman to be, Eaken received some disheartening news. He had received a letter from Penn State advising that, due to budgetary restrictions, five sports had been discontinued. During the summer months there was at least one invitational golf tournament held each week at some of the best country clubs in the Philadelphia area. One of the weekly competitors in these invitationals was a Penn State alumnus and member of the Penn State Board of Directors: Fred Waring. Fred owned the famous Shawnee-on-the-Delaware resort and had his world famous band “The Pennsylvanians” based there. In June of 1950, while playing at Scranton Country Club, Eaken’s competitor that week was none other than Waring. During the round, Eaken approached Waring and asked him if he was aware that Penn State had dropped the golf team. Fred was outraged and said to, “Penn State will have a golf team if I have to pay for it myself.” Eaken, obviously elated, wondered Waring would actually do something. He had never heard another word from Waring but when he returned to school in September, the Golf Team had been reinstated. It was not until several years later that the other sports were reinstated. Rutherford Jr., continued to build upon the success of his father. In his inaugural season as coach, Rutherford Jr., led PSU senior Tommy Smith to the NCAA championship in New Mexico.

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

Penn State Golf History Although his teams did not claim an EIGA Championship, his teams finished the 1953 and 1955 seasons undefeated. In his seven-year span as head coach, Rutherford Jr., finished with a career mark of 50-13.

Coach Joe Boyle – Match Play to Medal In 1957, a new coach was named in Joe Boyle. Coach Boyle’s first day of work as the Penn State golf coach just happened to be the same day as that of legendary football coach Joe Paterno. Boyle worked as Rutherford Jr.’s assistant and was a member of the historic 1948 EIGA Championship team and captain of the 1949 team. Boyle wasted little time building off of Rutherford’s successes. In his first year as coach, his squad went 10-2 and finished second in the EIGA Championship. In his 25 years as head coach, Boyle’s teams won seven EIGA Championships, including back-to-back titles in 1963 and 1964, and a string of three from 1971-1973. He had a team or individual compete for Penn State at the National Championship in 19 of his 25 years with the team and had a best finish of 16th place in 1969. Boyle finished his coaching career with a dual match record of 197-38-1, which included seven undefeated seasons. He was an active member in the Golf Coaches Association of America and served as the associations’ President in 1967-68. Boyle was inducted in the GCAA Hall of Fame in 1987 and was the recipient of the GCAA’s highest award, The Honor Award, in 2007. The Honor Award which began in 1985 is awarded annually to a member of the GCAA Hall of Fame who is retired and has made a significant contribution to the game of golf. Boyle coached in an era that had a lot of change in collegiate golf. Part way through his coaching career intercollegiate golf gradually went away from traditional dual matches (Match Play) to stroke-play tournaments involving a number of teams. The Lions went from playing 10-15 dual-matches a year to 6-8 stroke play tournaments. One of the first and favorite tournaments that the Lion golfers became regular participants in was the Indiana (Pa.) Invitational played at the Indiana Country Club. The Lions claimed their first IUP title in 1964 and went on to win the title 10 out of the next 11 years. With the popularity of intercollegiate golf growing across the nation, districts were also created to select the top teams from various areas of the country. Under Boyle, the Lions were traditionally one of the top-ranked teams in District II, made up of the northern Mid-Atlantic States. William (Bill) Davidson is an important name in the history of Penn State golf. He became the program’s first-ever champion of the EIGA Championship and first All-American in 1959. In the 1958 EIGA Championship, Davidson beat teammate Johnny Felus in the semifinals and went on to win the title the next day beating Ted Weiss of Yale. He was named team captain for the 1959 squad. In his career, Davidson qualified for the NCAA championship all three years he was a Nittany Lion (1957-59). He finished his career with a regular-season match-play record of 22-9. In the fall of 1969, a young freshman from Jamestown, N.Y. enrolled at Penn State. Dan O’Neill immediately made an impact becoming the Lions No. 1 man by mid spring of 1970 and finished in 12th place at the NCAA championship. That finish earned him All-America honors which he would achieve in each of his next three years with the Nittany Lions, becoming the first four-time All-American. In the summer of 1972, Dan O’Neill qualified for the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and made the 36-hole cut. His cut-making putt was seen live across the nation on ABC. In the late 1960’s golf became so popular on the University Park campus, that administration decided to build a second golf course. The new course was named the “Blue” and was built on the far west portion of the campus property and had a separate entrance off of College Ave.

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Penn State Golf History The original campus course was renamed the “White” course. The Blue course would open in 1970 at a par of 72 and length of 7,010 yards. It had 87 bunkers and three ponds. The course was designed by the architecture firm of Harrison & Grabin and built by university employees. It became the primary course for all Penn State Intercollegiate competitions.

Kennedy Leads Lions to Atlantic 10 Dominance In January 1982, Mary Kennedy-Zierke, the women’s coach at the time, was promoted to head coach of the men & women’s teams following the retirement of Joe Boyle. “Fall” collegiate golf was now a norm and Coach Kennedy-Zierke led a number of successful teams in her 10 years as head coach. Kennedy, an outstanding teacher, developed several all-district players and guided the Lions to prominence in eastern golf her last five years with the program. She was named District II Coach of the Year in 1987 and 1991. Her teams claimed six Atlantic 10 Conference Championships, including five in a row from 1986-90. Through this period of Penn State golf , nearly all competition was still Eastern based. Through these years, Coach Kennedy’s team improved year after year, nearly always atop the leader board in District II competitions. Overall under Kennedy’s guidance the Lions won 19 events, and twice she was named District II Coach of the Year. The program was given a big lift in the mid 1980s when the massive indoor facility, Holuba Hall, was completed. This free span structure covers two indoor 80-yard practice fields side-by-side. The 118,000-square foot facility, complete with the latest indoor turf surface, provided the Lions with a facility to get an early start on each spring. In 1992, with the development and expansion of the “West” Campus and the inconvenience of running the golf operation from two separate locations, both the Blue and White courses underwent a major facelift. The $1.5 million expansion was generated through the golf course facilities. The golf operation became more efficient with the renovation project of both courses would begin play from the Blue Course Pro Shop and eventually the Walker Clubhouse. Mark Kennedy coached the 1987 golf team to a second place finish at the Merril Lynch Invitational and a first place finish in the Eastern Championship. The 1979 men’s golf team under Joe Boyle won first place at the Wooster Invitational against 20 other teams. They also took first place at the Nittany Lion Open in a field of 19. The 1986-87 men’s golf season concluded with five first-place finishes and a 31st finish at the NCAA Championships.

Tombros Varsity Golf Clubhouse The Tombros Varsity Golf Clubhouse was dedicated on Sept. 3, 2010 and the next day both the men’s and women’s programs were able to utilize for the first time this spectacular facility build smack in the middle of the university golf course facilities. This clubhouse provides four coaches offices, locker and bag storage for both teams, a beautiful center core that combines the Nittany Lion foyer, academic space, and the magnificent living room with a fabulous floor to ceiling stone fireplace as a focal point. In addition to these space are two multi-function rooms with the” in to out” capable golf practice and work-out room on one side of the living room and a conference room on the other. This cabin feel, log construction clubhouse blends perfectly the natural mountain surrounding in Happy Valley, and is located directly in the middle of the Blue and White golf course, adjacent to the range, and short walk to both the private to team’s short game area or long game practice area.

Nye - Builds and Goes National in Scope On Aug, 28, 1992 it was announced that former Bowling Green head men’s and women’s coach, Greg Nye, would take over the men’s team from retiree men’s and women’s coach Mary Kennedy-Zierke and lead the Lion golfers in the Big Ten Conference. In Nye’s first season as the Lions’ coach, he led them to six team championships, including the 1993 Eastern Championship. The Lions finished eighth in the Big Ten Championship and were the top-ranking team in District II. Eventually, they finished the season in a tie for 16th at the NCAA East Regional played in Charlottesville, Va. Freshman Dirk Ayers was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year. The 1993-94 season was one for the record books. In Coach Nye’s second year at the helm, the Nittany Lions went on to claim eight tournament titles. Penn State was in its second year as a member of the Big Ten Conference and the Nittany Lions went to Madison, Wis. and finished in sixth place. When the newest edition of the Blue and White golf courses opened in 1994, golfers were greeted with completely new routings for both courses. The back nine of the Blue Course from the 1970 design became the current front nine and a new nine-holes, designed by Tom Clark, 1971 Penn State graduate, was built for the Blue Course as the back nine. The new Blue Course was completely opened for play on May 13, 1994 with a par of 72 and length of 6,525 yards. The White Course was reduced to 12 holes and six new holes were added, becoming a par-70, 6,008-yard layout. With the NCAA regional system put into play in 1989 the Nittany Lions qualified annually for the NCAA east regional and reached the NCAA finals in 1996. The 1996 Nittany Lion team made history, becoming the first Northeast golf program to qualify for NCAA finals since regionals began. Adam Decker, a one time Penn State walk – on, nearly won the NCAA East Regional finishing second, and went on the following year to make the All America team. Following their historic achievement in the spring of 1996, the Lions wasted no time proving that they were once again the top team in District II. Like in 1994, the Nittany Lions captured a record eight tournament titles. With 29 team titles in six seasons, Penn State was dominating the Northeast and changed its schedule to a more national one. Over the next five seasons, the Lions traveled to such places as Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, California, Colorado and Hawaii. Though these years the Nittany Lions were lead by the program’s

13th All-American, Matt Abbott. The product of a more difficult schedule came together for the 2003-04 team. Early in the fall of 2003, the Nittany Lions captured three tournament titles in a row. The key to the schedule that season was winning the MacDonald Cup, hosted by Yale University. The Yale University GC was the host of the spring’s NCAA East Regional. After 36 holes of the Regional, the Nittany Lions were shocking the college golf world. In the lead with 18 holes to play, the Lions ended up finishing second behind Clemson University. Nye’s team went on to beat No. 1-ranked Florida, as well as Georgia, Georgia Tech, Auburn and North Carolina. Two weeks later, the Lions would ride the momentum of their regional finish and become the first Northeast golf team of the stroke-play era to make the cut at the NCAA Finals. Mark Leon went on to finish in sixth place and became Penn State’s 14th All-American. In the spring of 2005, in order to compete with Big Ten Conference facilities, the Blue Course and varsity practice facilities underwent their most recent renovation and additions. The Blue Course was lengthened some 700 yards to 7,228 yards. Water hazards were added to holes two, three, five and 15. The most significant changes to the Blue Course occurred on holes seven and eight. Hole seven became 465 yards, par four and hole eight was reduced to 215 yards, par three. New tee boxes, two fairway bunkers, a pitch green, and practice bunker were added to the practice facilities located on the range. A new two-plus acre varsity short-game area was built for the teams behind the 14th green of the Blue Course. The area includes a 13,000-sq. ft. putting and chipping green and an 10,000 sq. ft. “impact” green, surrounded by three fairways and bunkers of four different styles. A big change occurred to college golf in the summer of 2007. The NCAA Golf Committee had decided to change the NCAA Regional qualification system. Districts no longer existed and qualifying for Regional play was now based purely on a team’s national rank.

Big National Wins Bring Highest Ranking In the fall of 2007, Indiana played host to the Wolf Run Intercollegiate where the Lions would knock off Big Ten rivals Indiana, Michigan and Northwestern, as well as SEC teams like Kentucky and Arkansas to claim the first of two consecutive wins. The confident Lions went to Richmond, Va., the next week and defended their VCU Shootout title. In that victory, Penn State knocked off perennial top-25 teams Wake

Forest and North Carolina. Kevin Foley claimed the individual title with a 15-under-par performance. The following week the Lions received their highest-ever national ranking, at No. 6 in the nation. They were also named Golfweek Magazine “Team of the Week” for their recent play. The Lions would finish the regular season with a stunning head-to-head record of 119-15-0. At the Central Regional, led by a second-place finish from two time All-Big Ten selection Robert Rohanna, the Lions finished tied for eighth place and advanced on to the NCAA Finals hosted by Big Ten member Purdue. After three rounds of play at the NCAA Finals, the Lions stood in 25th place of the 30 teams and would miss the 54hole cut. Kevin Foley advanced as an individual to the final round and finished 23rd and became Penn State’s 15th All-American. Coach Nye was named Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year for the sixth time.

2013 U.S. Open Unique Connection to PSU As the 2013 US Open at the Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. quickly approached, its unique connection to Penn State became even more relevant. Scott Nye, brother of men’s golf head coach Greg Nye, is the host Head Golf Professional for this prominent sporting event. In addition, Penn State alumnus Matt Shaffer is the Director of Golf Course Operations at Merion. Shaffer has been heavily involved in the ongoing preparation of the course for the championship, which is to be held June 13-16. He has met every request of the USGA to update this course in order to best serve the world’s best professional golfers, all while overseeing the turfgrass care of the facilities. Scott Nye has been working hard as a spokesperson for Merion leading up to the event, including local presentations, daily interactions with members and guests, and media interviews nationwide. Nye has said the excitement in the surrounding Philadelphia areas is “off the charts” for the upcoming US Open. While the 2013 US Open and Penn State ties are evident, there is yet another reason the event’s location hits close to home for the Nittany Lion golf family. Assistant coach Mark Leon played at the Merion Golf Club in 2005 for the US Amateur. He performed incredibly well on this nationally-recognized course that will soon be the pinnacle of professional golf when it welcomes the Open.

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

Penn State Golf History The first team in the history of Districts I and II to reach the NCAA FINALS.

1996 NCAA East Regional Pos

Team

Total

North Carolina State

302

291

300

893

Florida

308

298

290

896

Florida State

309

295

899

North Carolina

307

298

295

900

Wake Forest

310

291

300

901

South Caroline

305

302

295

902

East Tennessee State

310

298

295

903

Clemson

309

304

294

907

Penn State

310

304

296

910

Alabama

321

292

297

910

Tennessee

313

293

304

910

Virginia

314

300

297

911

Georgia

315

298

300

913

Auburn

310

299

304

913

Louisiana State

310

303

301

914

Duke

320

294

302

916

Virginia Commonwealth

316

296

309

921

2004 NCAA Finals Greg Piecynski, Jason Pannone, Mark Leon, Marco Poccia and Ted Neville led the Nittany Lions to the 2004 NCAA Finals.

Penn StatePenn 15th at NCAA FINALS State Golf

History The team registered a score of 300 in the NCAA Championships, for a tournament total of

Position

Team

Total

California

279

289

287

279

1134

UCLA

289

283

275

293

1140

Arizona

292

281

283

292

1148

Texas

288

286

289

286

1149

Georgia Tech

289

285

287

290

1151

Florida

285

289

284

294

1152

Washington

289

282

285

296

1152

Kentucky

283

286

283

303

1155

289-291-290-300-1170. Eleven of the 15 squads carded their highest tournament score in the 9 BYU 280 290 291 295 1156 third round, as the Nittany Lions fell from a 13th place tie to their final position of 15th, by far 10 Pepperdine 295 276 289 300 1160 the best NCAA finish in the program’s 82-year history. T11 Georgia 285 302 284 290 1161 Leon carded a 1-over 71 for a tournament total of 69-69-70-71-279 (-1). He finished the T11 Georgia State 292 280 297 292 1161 tournament in a sixth place tie overall and was one of just seven golfers to shoot par or better for 13 Oklahoma State 292 289 289 294 1164 the tournament. 14 Texas A&M 291 292 284 300 1167 In making the 15-team cut, Penn State defeated three of the nation’s top 15 teams in the pro15 Penn State 289 291 290 300 1170 cess (No. 2 and defending national champion Clemson, No. 4 Arizona State and No. 10 TCU). It was the second week in a row the Nittany Lions defeated some of the nation’s top teams to close Missed Cut out a spectacular post-season Purdue: 871, Southern California: 871, Clemson: 872, New Mexico: 876, TCU: 877, Auburn: 879, Arizona State: 879, Oklahoma: 879, Kent State: 881, Toledo: 884, SMU: 887, Wichita State: 887,Vanderbilt: 891, North Carolina: 892, Rhode Island: 912

Penn State Second at NCAA East Regional

Ninth in East Regional, Nittany Lions Appear In 1996 NCAA Finals Following a solid regular season that included three tournament titles, the Nittany Lions peaked at the end of the 1996 spring term. After finishing second at the Eastern Championships and sixth at the Big Ten championships, Penn State surged at the NCAA East Regional, which was played on the Monster Course at the Concord Resort in Kiamesha Lake, N.Y. Facing the best teams in Eastern golf, the Nittany Lions came off the tee box with first-round ferocity, finishing in a five-way tie for seventh place after an opening round 310. Senior Adam Decker (left) led with a two-over 74. In the second round, Penn State improved its team score by six strokes, but fell into a three-way tie for 15th — below the cut line that qualified the top 11 teams for the NCAA Finals. Decker fired a 71 to keep the Lions in contention. In the final round, the Nittany Lions ripped apart the Concord course, making shot after pivotal shot in a miraculous run that ended with a 296 — the third-best score of the day — to tie for ninth place and a berth in the NCAA Finals.

PENN STATE 2012–13 • MEN’S GOLF

Byron Clift (right), a junior, led the Lions with a final round 72. Decker shot a 74 to tie for second place on the individual leaderboard with a total 219, a monumental achievement for the senior, who came to the squad as a freshman walk-on. Seniors Dirk Ayers and Mike Banzhoff and sophomore Joey Chuasiriporn all finished with 75 for the final round and the three-round team total of 910 tied with Tennessee and Alabama. The Lions’ berth in the Finals was not only monumental for Penn State, but for the entire Eastern region as the Lions became the first team in the relatively short history of both Districts I and II to reach the Finals. For the first time since 1987, Penn State headed to the NCAA Finals, held in 1996 at the challenging Honors Course in Chattanooga, Tenn. Penn State played well, but failed to make the team cut after two rounds. Ayers led Penn State individually, making the individual cut and finishing in a tie for 47th place overall after an opening round 71. Penn State placed 29th overall as a team, which at the time was the top finish of any Big Ten team at the Finals.

The 2004 men’s golf team earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament after shocking the golf world with a second place finish at the East Regional held in New Haven, Conn. The Nittany Lions fired a 10 over par 290 to hold fifth place after one round. Greg Pieczynski shot a one-over par 71 to help the Lions take a lead over five of the nation’s top 20 teams according to Golfweek/ Sagarin rankings. The squad ended the second day of NCAA East Regional competition in first place among the 27-team field. The Lions shot five-over par for a total score of 575. Pieczynski led the Lions in their five-man field firing a 71 for the second consecutive day to sit two strokes over par. He held a tie for ninth place individually, while Ted Neville shot a 70 to finish the second round 3-over in a tie for 19th place. Penn State completed one of the greatest performances in program history on the final day of the tournament by finishing in second place in the field. The Nittany Lions, who entered the regional as the No. 19 seed, beat seven Top 20 teams to earn their first berth in the NCAA Finals since 1996. Pieczynski finished in a tie for fourth place after finishing with a total score of 211 (+1). Mark Leon shot a 216 (73-71-72), Marco Poccia shot a 219 (73-73-73), Neville had a 220 (73-70-77) and Jason Pannone shot a 226 (77-76-73). “It was just an enormous effort,” said Penn State head coach Greg Nye. “We had played well at the Big Tens and last weekend at the Maxwell and just continued to play even better. When the pressure was on, we got better. After finishing the first round in fifth place, we proved we were more than up to the task on Friday and again today. We beat some great programs head-to-head.”

2004 NCAA East Regionals Pos.

Team

Total

Clemson

288

291

277

856

Penn State

290

285

287

862

T-3

Georgia

287

293

284

864

T-3

Georgia Tech

291

288

285

864

Florida

286

290

866

Auburn

294

286

287

867

Georgia State

288

300

283

871

Rhode Island

292

289

296

877

Vanderbilt

299

291

290

880

North Carolina

294

283

305

882

“Mark Leon golfed brilliantly throughout the NCAA Finals as all facets of his game were at a high level. Making the cut was a terrific achievement and very exciting for us as a team. I’m very proud we backed up our second place finish at the Regionals with a strong showing in the Finals.” - Penn State coach Greg Nye

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2012–13

Penn State Golf History The first team in the history of Districts I and II to reach the NCAA FINALS.

1996 NCAA East Regional Pos

Team

Total

North Carolina State

302

291

300

893

Florida

308

298

290

896

Florida State

309

295

899

North Carolina

307

298

295

900

Wake Forest

310

291

300

901

South Caroline

305

302

295

902

East Tennessee State

310

298

295

903

Clemson

309

304

294

907

Penn State

310

304

296

910

Alabama

321

292

297

910

Tennessee

313

293

304

910

Virginia

314

300

297

911

Georgia

315

298

300

913

Auburn

310

299

304

913

Louisiana State

310

303

301

914

Duke

320

294

302

916

Virginia Commonwealth

316

296

309

921

2004 NCAA Finals Greg Piecynski, Jason Pannone, Mark Leon, Marco Poccia and Ted Neville led the Nittany Lions to the 2004 NCAA Finals.

Penn StatePenn 15th at NCAA FINALS State Golf

History The team registered a score of 300 in the NCAA Championships, for a tournament total of

Position

Team

Total

California

279

289

287

279

1134

UCLA

289

283

275

293

1140

Arizona

292

281

283

292

1148

Texas

288

286

289

286

1149

Georgia Tech

289

285

287

290

1151

Florida

285

289

284

294

1152

Washington

289

282

285

296

1152

Kentucky

283

286

283

303

1155

Penn State Second at NCAA East Regional

PENN STATE 2012–13 • MEN’S GOLF

2004 NCAA East Regionals Pos.

Team

Total

Clemson

288

291

277

856

Penn State

290

285

287

862

T-3

Georgia

287

293

284

864

T-3

Georgia Tech

291

288

285

864

Florida

286

290

866

Auburn

294

286

287

867

Georgia State

288

300

283

871

Rhode Island

292

289

296

877

Vanderbilt

299

291

290

880

North Carolina

294

283

305

882

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2012–13

Rutherford Intercollegiate RUTHERFORD INTERCOLLEGIATE April 18-19, 2014 Penn State Blue Course State College, Pa. TEAM RECORDS Team Year Score 36 Holes Temple 1986 591 Penn State 1991* 593 Penn State 1987 594 Army 1987 595 Penn State 1998 596 54 Holes (6,550 yards) Penn State 2005 843 Penn State 2003 852 Towson 2004 859 Penn State 2002 859 Maryland 2005 861 Penn State 2001 863 Towson 2005 866 Ohio 2005 867 Va. Comm. 2005 868 Penn State 2000 871 54 Holes (7,202 yards) Minnesota 2014 Penn State 2011 Penn State 2010

860 880 879

The Rutherford Intercollegiate, hosted by Penn State, has become one of the top events in the Northeast, annually featuring a top field of Eastern teams and several squads from around the nation. The Nittany Lions have dominated the Rutherford since it was established as the Nittany Lion Invitational in 1975, winning the tournament 22 times. Seventeen Penn State golfers have medaled atop the leaderboard, the last featuring T.J. Howe in 2011. The 2012 Spring Rutherford Intercollegiate was the 36th edition of the tournament. The Nittany Lions finished in fifth place with a threeround score of 920 (304-305-311). The tournament became known as the Rutherford Intercollegiate in 1983 to honor R.B. “Pop” Rutherford Sr., the man known to the Nittany Lions as the “father of Penn State golf.” Rutherford organized the first Penn State golf team in 1922 and coached it until 1949. R.B. Rutherford Jr. continued his father’s coaching tradition from 1950-1956 and furthered a legacy that is recalled each spring.

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS Year

Team

1975 Penn State 1976 Penn State 1977 Penn State 1978 Virginia Tech 1979 Penn State 1980 Virginia Tech 1981 California (Pa.) 1982 Indiana (Pa.) 1983 Indiana (Pa) 1984 Rutgers 1985 St. John’s 1986 Temple 1987 Penn State 1988 Temple 1989 St. John’s 1990 Penn State 1991 Penn State 1991(Fall) Penn State 1994 Penn State 1995 Penn State 1997 Penn State 1998 Penn State 1999 Penn State 24

Individual Champion

Score

Sherm Hostetter, Penn State Tom Amendola, Penn State Sherm Hostetter, Penn State John Zack, Slippery Rock Gary Durbin, Penn State John Banks, Virginia Tech Scott Vietmeier, California (Pa.) Joe Boros, Clarion John Yancy, Virginia Tech Ben Witter, Indiana (Pa.) Joe Boros, Clarion Jim Hagstrom, Slippery Rock Tom Hef fer, Gannon Brian Stewart, Temple Mark Treese, Penn State Peter Dannenbaum, Temple Tom Carter, Temple Mal Smith, St. John’s Jon Veneziano, Hartford Jason Tyska, Penn State Andy Achenbach, Penn State Mike Banzhoff, Penn State Chris Gilmer, William & Mary Brad Kittsley, Penn State Charlie Cornette, Western Ky. Andrew McKay, St. John’s

226 225 222 216 216 221 224 221 150† 143† 221 213 143† 143† 147† 146† 218 145† 143† 217 219 152† 152† 215 142† 208

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Career Scoring Leaders

2000 Penn State 2001 Penn State 2002 Penn State 2003 Penn State 2004 Towson 2005 Penn State 2006 Eastern Michigan 2007 Penn State 2008 Penn State 2008(Fall) Purdue 2010 Penn State 2011 Penn State 2012 Bowling Green St. 2013 Binghamton 2014 Minnesota

Matt Abbott, Penn State Andy Latowski, Penn State Jeff Turton, Penn State Robby Shaw, Western Kentucky Greg Pieczynski, Penn State John Eades, Maryland Korey Mahoney, Eastern Michigan Robert Rohanna, Penn State Robert Rohanna, Penn State Nakarinta Ratanakul, Purdue Kevin Foley, Penn State T.J. Howe, Penn State Brad Boyle, IUP Tanapol Vattanapisit, Xaver** JD Dornes, Penn State Jose Mendez, Minnesota

212 212 206 201 208 200 215 217 216 211 211 216 219 216 216 207

Avg. Years Round 72.90 2006-10 147

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS 36 Hole Records par 144 Charlie Cornette W. Kentucky Brian Stewart Temple Tom Heffer Gannon Jon Veneziano Hartford Mal Galletta St. John’s Jason Smoak Wofford Chris Kyrle Pennsylvania

1998 1986 1986 1991 1991 1991 1998

142 [-2] 143 [-1] 143 [-1] 143 [-1] 144 [E] 144 [E) 144 [E]

54 Hole Records par 216 John Eades Robby Shaw Jeff Turton Robert Rohanna Jim Fuller Greg Pieczynski Andrew McKay Ted Neville Jens Fahrbring Jeff Castle Jens Fahrbring

2005 2003 2002 2006 2003 2004 1999 2005 2005 2004 2004

200 (-16) 201 (-15) 206 (-10) 207 (-9) 207 (-9) 208 (-8) 208 (-8) 207 (-7) 210 (-6) 211 (-5) 211 (-5)

Maryland Western Kentucky Penn State Penn State Penn State Penn State St. John’s Penn State VCU Towson VCU

54 Hole Records par 213 Minnesota

2014

207 (-7)

Low 65

- 2008, 2009 & 2010 GCAA All-American - 2009 Golfweek All-America - 2007-10 All-Region Team

#5 MARK LEON Avg. Years Round 73.79 2001-05 134

Low 67

- 2005 All-Big Ten Team - 2004 GCAA All-American - 2003, 2004 & 2005 All-Region Team

- 2007 Big Ten Freshman of the Year - 2007, 2009 & 2010 All-Big Ten Team

#2 ROBERT ROHANNA Avg. Years Round 73.45 2004-08 137

†= 36 hole event ** = Tiebreaker

Jose Mendez

#1 KEVIN FOLEY

Low 66

- 2007 & 2008 All-American Scholar Team - 2007 All-Big Ten 1st Team - 2008 All-Big Ten 2nd Team - 2005-08 All-Region Team

#3 JIM FULLER Avg. Years Round 73.56 1999-03 111

Low 65

- 2003 Regional Player of the Year - 2002 & 2003 All-Region Team - 2003 All-Big Ten Team

#4 MATT ABBOTT Avg. Years Round 73.64 1997-01 144

Low 65

- 2001 GCAA All-American - 2000 & 2001 Region Player of the Year

#7 ANDY LATOWSKI Avg. Years Round 74.43 1998-02 114

Low 68

- 2002 Earnest B. McCoy Award - 2001 & 2002 All-Region Team - 2001 & 2002 All-America Scholar Team

#8 GREG PIECZYNSKI Avg. Years Round 74.46 2001-06 140

Low 66

- 2005 & 2006 All-America Scholar Team - 2003 & 2004 All-Region Team

#9 TED NEVILLE Avg. Years Round 74.50 2001-05 123

Low 66

- 2005 All-Region Team

- 1998-01 All-Region Team - 2000 & 2001 All-Big Ten Team

#5 T.J. HOWE Avg. Years Round 73.79 2007-11 136

#10 ADAM DECKER Low 66

Avg. Years Round 74.90 1993-97 99

- 2010 GCAA All-American

- 1997 GCAA All-American

- 2007-11 All-Region Team

- 1995-97 All-Region Team - 1997 Region Player of the Year

Low 65

*MINIMUM 60 ROUNDS GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

860 880 879

TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS Year

Team

Individual Champion

Score

226 225 222 216 216 221 224 221 150† 143† 221 213 143† 143† 147† 146† 218 145† 143† 217 219 152† 152† 215 142† 208

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Career Scoring Leaders

212 212 206 201 208 200 215 217 216 211 211 216 219 216 216 207

Avg. Years Round 72.90 2006-10 147

1998 1986 1986 1991 1991 1991 1998

142 [-2] 143 [-1] 143 [-1] 143 [-1] 144 [E] 144 [E) 144 [E]

54 Hole Records par 216 John Eades Robby Shaw Jeff Turton Robert Rohanna Jim Fuller Greg Pieczynski Andrew McKay Ted Neville Jens Fahrbring Jeff Castle Jens Fahrbring

2005 2003 2002 2006 2003 2004 1999 2005 2005 2004 2004

200 (-16) 201 (-15) 206 (-10) 207 (-9) 207 (-9) 208 (-8) 208 (-8) 207 (-7) 210 (-6) 211 (-5) 211 (-5)

Maryland Western Kentucky Penn State Penn State Penn State Penn State St. John’s Penn State VCU Towson VCU

54 Hole Records par 213 Minnesota

2014

207 (-7)

Low 65

- 2008, 2009 & 2010 GCAA All-American - 2009 Golfweek All-America - 2007-10 All-Region Team

#5 MARK LEON Avg. Years Round 73.79 2001-05 134

Low 67

- 2005 All-Big Ten Team - 2004 GCAA All-American - 2003, 2004 & 2005 All-Region Team

- 2007 Big Ten Freshman of the Year - 2007, 2009 & 2010 All-Big Ten Team

#2 ROBERT ROHANNA Avg. Years Round 73.45 2004-08 137

†= 36 hole event ** = Tiebreaker

Jose Mendez

#1 KEVIN FOLEY

Low 66

- 2007 & 2008 All-American Scholar Team - 2007 All-Big Ten 1st Team - 2008 All-Big Ten 2nd Team - 2005-08 All-Region Team

#3 JIM FULLER Avg. Years Round 73.56 1999-03 111

Low 65

- 2003 Regional Player of the Year - 2002 & 2003 All-Region Team - 2003 All-Big Ten Team

#4 MATT ABBOTT Avg. Years Round 73.64 1997-01 144

Low 65

- 2001 GCAA All-American - 2000 & 2001 Region Player of the Year

#7 ANDY LATOWSKI Avg. Years Round 74.43 1998-02 114

Low 68

- 2002 Earnest B. McCoy Award - 2001 & 2002 All-Region Team - 2001 & 2002 All-America Scholar Team

#8 GREG PIECZYNSKI Avg. Years Round 74.46 2001-06 140

Low 66

- 2005 & 2006 All-America Scholar Team - 2003 & 2004 All-Region Team

#9 TED NEVILLE Avg. Years Round 74.50 2001-05 123

Low 66

- 2005 All-Region Team

- 1998-01 All-Region Team - 2000 & 2001 All-Big Ten Team

#5 T.J. HOWE Avg. Years Round 73.79 2007-11 136

#10 ADAM DECKER Low 66

Avg. Years Round 74.90 1993-97 99

- 2010 GCAA All-American

- 1997 GCAA All-American

- 2007-11 All-Region Team

- 1995-97 All-Region Team - 1997 Region Player of the Year

Low 65

*MINIMUM 60 ROUNDS GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

GCAA All-Americans

All-Big Ten Selections

Bill Davidson became Penn State’s first All-American in 1959. Twelve Nittany Lions have gone on to earn this prestigious award a total of 16 times. Dan O’Neill leads the way, earning All-America honors four times from 1970-73. Penn State’s 16 All Americans rank fifth in the Big Ten.

Bill Davidson 1959

Jim Tabor 1964

Dave Hambly 1966

Jim Geiger 1967

Bob Hibschman 1969

Dan O’Neill

Sherm Hostetter 1975

Gary Durbin 1979

Adam Decker 1997 26

1970, 1971, 1972, 1973

Matt Abbott 2001

PENN STATE 2013–14 • MEN’S GOLF

Mark Leon 2004

Kevin Foley 2008, 2009, 2010

Dirk Ayers 1995-96

Matt Abbott 1999-00 & 2000-01

Jim Fuller 2002-03

Mark Leon 2004-05

Robert Rohanna 2006-07 & 2007-08

Kevin Foley 2006-07, 2008-09 & 2009-10

T.J. Howe 2010 GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2013–14

GCAA All-Americans

All-Big Ten Selections

Bill Davidson 1959

Jim Tabor 1964

Dave Hambly 1966

Jim Geiger 1967

Bob Hibschman 1969

Dan O’Neill

Sherm Hostetter 1975

Gary Durbin 1979

Adam Decker 1997 26

1970, 1971, 1972, 1973

Matt Abbott 2001

PENN STATE 2013–14 • MEN’S GOLF

Mark Leon 2004

Kevin Foley 2008, 2009, 2010

Dirk Ayers 1995-96

Matt Abbott 1999-00 & 2000-01

Jim Fuller 2002-03

Mark Leon 2004-05

Robert Rohanna 2006-07 & 2007-08

Kevin Foley 2006-07, 2008-09 & 2009-10

T.J. Howe 2010 GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2013–14

NCAA All-Region

GCAA All-American Scholars In 1984 the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) started honoring All-America Scholars. Honorees must be at least a junior, possess a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, average 77 or better and play in at least 75 percent of their teams’ competitions. Penn State has been represented with 21 seletions since the incpetion of this award.

Matt Shiley 1991

William Smith 1991, 92

Dirk Ayers 1992-96

Jason Tyska 1992-93

Joe Chuasiriporn 1997-98

Byron Clift 1997-98

Jeff Turton 1998-01

Scott Phillis Andy Josh Dawes 1990-00 Latowski 2000-02 2001-02

Greg Pieczynski 2002-04

Ernesto Marin 2010-11

Ted Neville 2004-05

Jay Woodward 2010-11

Rob Rohanna 2004-08

Tommy McDonagh

2009-12

Harvin Groft 2007-08

Andy Achenbach 1993-94

Kevin Foley 2006-10

Anthony DeGol Chris Houston 2010-13 2012-13

Adam Decker 1994-97

T.J. Howe 2007-11

Xander McDonald-Smith 2012-13

Brad Kittsley 1996-97

Matt Abbott 1997-01

Jim Fuller 2001-03

Mark Leon 2002-05

Andy Jim Markovitz Archembault 2008-09 2008-10

Jens Talbert 2012-14

JD Dornes 2014

Greg Pieczynski 2005, 2006

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Rob Rohanna 2007, 2008

Anthony DeGol 2012, 2013

Jens Talbert 2014

Xander McDonald-Smith 2014

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014-15

NCAA All-Region

Matt Shiley 1991

William Smith 1991, 92

Dirk Ayers 1992-96

Jason Tyska 1992-93

Joe Chuasiriporn 1997-98

Byron Clift 1997-98

Jeff Turton 1998-01

Scott Phillis Andy Josh Dawes 1990-00 Latowski 2000-02 2001-02

Greg Pieczynski 2002-04

Ernesto Marin 2010-11

Ted Neville 2004-05

Jay Woodward 2010-11

Rob Rohanna 2004-08

Tommy McDonagh

2009-12

Harvin Groft 2007-08

Andy Achenbach 1993-94

Kevin Foley 2006-10

Anthony DeGol Chris Houston 2010-13 2012-13

Adam Decker 1994-97

T.J. Howe 2007-11

Xander McDonald-Smith 2012-13

Brad Kittsley 1996-97

Matt Abbott 1997-01

Jim Fuller 2001-03

Mark Leon 2002-05

Andy Jim Markovitz Archembault 2008-09 2008-10

Jens Talbert 2012-14

JD Dornes 2014

Greg Pieczynski 2005, 2006

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Rob Rohanna 2007, 2008

Anthony DeGol 2012, 2013

Jens Talbert 2014

Xander McDonald-Smith 2014

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014-15

Honors

GCAA All-Americans 1959: 1964: 1966: 1967: 1969: 1970: 1971: 1972: 1973: 1975: 1979: 1997: 2001: 2004: 2008: 2009: 2010:

1987: 1991: 1995-96: 1996-97: 1999-00: 2000-01: 2002-03:

Bill Davidson Jim Tabor Dave Hambly Jim Geiger Bob Hibschman Dan O’Neill Dan O’Neill Dan O’Neill Dan O’Neill Sherm Hostetter Gary Durbin Adam Decker Matt Abbott Mark Leon Kevin Foley Kevin Foley Kevin Foley T.J. Howe

NCAA All-Region

GCAA Hall of Fame 1987:

Coach Joe Boyle

GCAA Honor Award Recipient 2007:

Coach Joe Boyle

GCAA All-America Scholars 1986: 1987: 1992: 1993: 1996: 1997: 1998: 1999: 2000: 2001: 2002: 2005: 2006: 2007: 2008: 2013: 2014:

Terry Hertzog Terry Hertzog Matt Shiley Matt Shiley Brad Kittsley Brad Kittsley Byron Clift Byron Clift Mike Saporito Mike Saporito Andy Latowski Jeff Turton Josh Dawes Andy Latowski Jeff Turton Josh Dawes Greg Pieczynski Greg Pieczynski Robert Rohanna Robert Rohanna Anthony DeGol X. McDonald-Smith Jens Talbert

Mid-Atlantic Region Player of the Year

Terry Hertzog Matt Shiley Dirk Ayers Adam Decker Matt Abbott Matt Abbott Jim Fuller

1991: 1991-92: 1992-93: 1993-94: 1994-95: 1995-96: 1996-97: 1997-98: 1998-99: 1999-00: 2000-01: 2001-02: 2002-03: 2003-04: 2004-05: 2005-06: 2006-07: 2007-08: 2008-09: 2009-10: 2010-11

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Matt Shiley William Smith Dirk Ayers Jason Tyska Andy Achenbach Dirk Ayers Dirk Ayers Adam Decker Dirk Ayers Adam Decker Adam Decker Brad Kittsley Matt Abbott Joe Chuasiriporn Byron Clift Matt Abbott Jeff Turton Matt Abbott Scott Phillis Jeff Turton Matt Abbott Andy Latowski Jeff Turton Josh Dawes Andy Latowski Jim Fuller Jim Fuller Mark Leon Greg Pieczynski Mark Leon Greg Pieczynski Mark Leon Ted Neville Robert Rohanna Robert Rohanna Kevin Foley Robert Rohanna Kevin Foley Harvin Groft T.J. Howe Robert Rohanna Nick Archambault Jim Markovitz Kevin Foley Kevin Foley T.J. Howe Jim Markovitz Tommy McDonagh Anthony DeGol

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

T.J. Howe Tommy McDonagh Ernesto Marin Jay Woodward Anthony DeGol Tommy McDonagh Anthony DeGol Jens Talbert X. McDonald-Smith Chris Houston JD Dornes Jens Talbert

Region Coach of the Year Mary Kennedy-Zierk: 1987, 1991 Greg Nye: 1993, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2009 & 2010

Ernest B. McCoy Award Presented to the most outstanding male student- athlete at Penn State. 2002: Andy Latowski

Big Ten Sportsmanship Award 2002-03: 2012-13:

Jonas Hyden Jens Talbert

All-Big Ten 1995-96: 1999-00: 2000-01: 2002-03: 2004-05: 2006-07: 2007-08: 2008-09: 2009-10:

Dirk Ayers Matt Abbott Matt Abbott Jim Fuller Mark Leon Kevin Foley Robert Rohanna Robert Rohanna Kevin Foley Kevin Foley

Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Year 1992-93: 2006-07:

Dirk Ayers Kevin Foley

All-Atlantic 10 1982-83: 1983-84: 1984-85: 1985-86: 1986-87:

Brian Corbett Tom Bean Scott Tharrington Terry Hertzog Dave Treese Terry Hertzog

1987-88: 1988-89: 1989-90: 1990-91:

Chris Keim Mark Treese Dan Braun Chris Keim Chris Keim Kyle Ross Kyle Ross Matt Shiley William Smith Dan Vona Matthew Jester Matt Shiley William Smith Jason Tyska Dan Vona

Academic All-Atlantic 10 1989-90: 1990-91:

Matt Shiley Tom Sarosky Matt Shiley Jason Tyska

Academic All-Big Ten 1991-92: 1992-93: 1993-94: 1994-95: 1995-96: 1996-97: 1997-98: 1998-99:

James Bohn Kevin Dadey Clayton Davidson Joe Freed Matt Jester Brett Marinelli Scott McDougall Matt Shiley Jason Tyska Vincent Bonner Joe Freed Matt Jester Matt Shiley Jason Tyska David Harget Eric Hiatt Andrew Williams Byron Clift James Tolley Byron Clift Brian Gillespie Brad Kittsley Byron Clift Brad Kittsley J.D. Ostrow Nick Verrecchio Bryan Burns Byron Clift Brad Kittsley Mike Saporito Andy Latowski Greg Marshalek Marty Mills Mike Saporito

1999-00: 2000-01: 2001-02: 2002-03: 2003-04: 2004-05: 2005-06: 2006-07: 2007-08: 2008-09: 2009-10: 2010-11: 2011-12

Jeff Turton Josh Dawes Andy Latowski Greg Marshalek Marty Mills Mike Saporito Jason Totin Jeff Turton Josh Dawes Andy Latowski Mike Saporito Jeff Turton Josh Dawes Jonas Hyden Andy Latowski Jeff Turton Brian Fitzpatrick Jonas Hyden Greg Pieczynski Rafael Toro Jason Totin David Dankmyer Brian Fitzpatrick Jonas Hyden Greg Pieczynski Rafael Toro John Aubrey David Dankmyer Brian Fitzpatrick Greg Pieczynski David Dankmyer Greg Pieczynski Robert Rohanna David Dankmyer Matt Leon Robert Rohanna Tyler Tarney Mitch Van Zelfden T.J. Howe Matt Leon Jim Markovitz Robert Rohanna Tyler Tarney Mitch Van Zelfden Brendan Borst Jason Cohan T.J. Howe Mitch Van Zelfden Brendan Borst Jason Cohan Kevin Foley T.J. Howe Tanner Smith Anthony DeGol T.J. Howe Matthew Porter Jay Woodward Anthony DeGol Matthew Porter

2012-13

2013-14

2003: 17th/27 2004: 2nd/27** 2005: 20th/27 2007: 16th/27 2008: T8th/27** 2009: 10th/14 2010: 4th/14**

Shane Stewart Jay Woodward Anthony DeGol Matt Porter

Shane Stewart Jens Talbert Jay Woodward JD Dornes Chris Houston

Individual Qualifiers

X. McDonald-Smith

Shane Stewart Jens Talbert Geoff Vartelas Ryan Worthy

NCAA Championship Results

1991-92: 10th 1992-93: 11th 1993-94: 6th 1994-95: 9th 1995-96: 6th 1996-97: 10th 1997-98: 11th 1998-99: 9th 1999-00: 3rd 2000-01: 9th 2001-02: 10th 2002-03: 10th 2003-04: 6th 2004-05: 8th 2005-06: 7th 2006-07: 6th 2007-08: 11th 2008-09: 4th 2009-10: 10th 2010-11: 9th 2011-12: 8th 2012-13: 11th 2013-14: 9th

NCAA Regional Results 1990: 19th/23 1991: 15th/23 1992: 17th/23 1993: t-16th/23 1994: t-17th/23 1995: 17th/23 1996: t-9th/23** 1997: t-14th/23 1998: 18th/23 1999: 16th/23 2000: 21st/23 2001: 16th/27 2002: 18th/27

2011:

Dan Braun Chris Keim T.J. Howe

**Qualified for NCAA Finals

Big Ten Championship Results

*A-10 & ECAC Prior to 1991

1989:

1947: 25th 1948: t-16th 1963: 24th 1964: MC 1965: t-28th 1966: t-18th 1967: t-26th 1969: 16th 1971: MC 1972: MC 1973: MC 1975: 31st 1987: 31st 1996: 29th 2004: 15th 2008: 25th 2010: 29th

Individual Qualifiers

1950: 1957: 1958: 1959: 1962: 1968: 1970: 1974: 1977: 1979: 1981:

Tommy Smith Bill Davidson Pat Reilly Bill Davidson Johnny Felus Bill Davidson Dick Burgoon Jim Tabor Dave Liebau Jim Geiger Dan O’Neill Fred Von Bargen Sherm Hostetter Gary Durbin Tom Bean Robert Philips

1948, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1987, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997

Eastern Individual Champions 1958: 1964: 1967: 1972: 1973: 1988: 1992: 1994: 1995: 1997:

Bill Davidson Jim Tabor Jim Geiger Frank Guise Dan O’Neill Dan O’Neill Chris Keim Mark Treese Matt Shiley Dirk Ayers Dirk Ayers Adam Decker

Atlantic 10 Championship Results 1982: 2nd 1983: 1st 1984: 3rd 1985: 3rd 1986: 1st 1987: 1st 1988: 1st 1990: 1st 1991: 1st

Atlantic 10 Individual Champions 1987: 1988: 1990: 1991:

Chris Keim Chris Keim Kyle Ross Matt Shiley

Eastern Championships (ECAC)

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

Honors

GCAA All-Americans 1959: 1964: 1966: 1967: 1969: 1970: 1971: 1972: 1973: 1975: 1979: 1997: 2001: 2004: 2008: 2009: 2010:

1987: 1991: 1995-96: 1996-97: 1999-00: 2000-01: 2002-03:

NCAA All-Region

GCAA Hall of Fame 1987:

Coach Joe Boyle

GCAA Honor Award Recipient 2007:

Coach Joe Boyle

GCAA All-America Scholars 1986: 1987: 1992: 1993: 1996: 1997: 1998: 1999: 2000: 2001: 2002: 2005: 2006: 2007: 2008: 2013: 2014:

Mid-Atlantic Region Player of the Year

Terry Hertzog Matt Shiley Dirk Ayers Adam Decker Matt Abbott Matt Abbott Jim Fuller

1991: 1991-92: 1992-93: 1993-94: 1994-95: 1995-96: 1996-97: 1997-98: 1998-99: 1999-00: 2000-01: 2001-02: 2002-03: 2003-04: 2004-05: 2005-06: 2006-07: 2007-08: 2008-09: 2009-10: 2010-11

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

T.J. Howe Tommy McDonagh Ernesto Marin Jay Woodward Anthony DeGol Tommy McDonagh Anthony DeGol Jens Talbert X. McDonald-Smith Chris Houston JD Dornes Jens Talbert

Region Coach of the Year Mary Kennedy-Zierk: 1987, 1991 Greg Nye: 1993, 1994, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2009 & 2010

Ernest B. McCoy Award Presented to the most outstanding male student- athlete at Penn State. 2002: Andy Latowski

Big Ten Sportsmanship Award 2002-03: 2012-13:

Jonas Hyden Jens Talbert

All-Big Ten 1995-96: 1999-00: 2000-01: 2002-03: 2004-05: 2006-07: 2007-08: 2008-09: 2009-10:

Dirk Ayers Matt Abbott Matt Abbott Jim Fuller Mark Leon Kevin Foley Robert Rohanna Robert Rohanna Kevin Foley Kevin Foley

Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Year 1992-93: 2006-07:

Dirk Ayers Kevin Foley

All-Atlantic 10 1982-83: 1983-84: 1984-85: 1985-86: 1986-87:

Brian Corbett Tom Bean Scott Tharrington Terry Hertzog Dave Treese Terry Hertzog

1987-88: 1988-89: 1989-90: 1990-91:

Chris Keim Mark Treese Dan Braun Chris Keim Chris Keim Kyle Ross Kyle Ross Matt Shiley William Smith Dan Vona Matthew Jester Matt Shiley William Smith Jason Tyska Dan Vona

Academic All-Atlantic 10 1989-90: 1990-91:

Matt Shiley Tom Sarosky Matt Shiley Jason Tyska

Academic All-Big Ten 1991-92: 1992-93: 1993-94: 1994-95: 1995-96: 1996-97: 1997-98: 1998-99:

1999-00: 2000-01: 2001-02: 2002-03: 2003-04: 2004-05: 2005-06: 2006-07: 2007-08: 2008-09: 2009-10: 2010-11: 2011-12

2012-13

2013-14

2003: 17th/27 2004: 2nd/27** 2005: 20th/27 2007: 16th/27 2008: T8th/27** 2009: 10th/14 2010: 4th/14**

Shane Stewart Jay Woodward Anthony DeGol Matt Porter

Shane Stewart Jens Talbert Jay Woodward JD Dornes Chris Houston

Individual Qualifiers

X. McDonald-Smith

Shane Stewart Jens Talbert Geoff Vartelas Ryan Worthy

NCAA Championship Results

2011:

Dan Braun Chris Keim T.J. Howe

**Qualified for NCAA Finals

Big Ten Championship Results

*A-10 & ECAC Prior to 1991

1989:

1947: 25th 1948: t-16th 1963: 24th 1964: MC 1965: t-28th 1966: t-18th 1967: t-26th 1969: 16th 1971: MC 1972: MC 1973: MC 1975: 31st 1987: 31st 1996: 29th 2004: 15th 2008: 25th 2010: 29th

Individual Qualifiers

1950: 1957: 1958: 1959: 1962: 1968: 1970: 1974: 1977: 1979: 1981:

1948, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1967, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1987, 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997

Eastern Individual Champions 1958: 1964: 1967: 1972: 1973: 1988: 1992: 1994: 1995: 1997:

Bill Davidson Jim Tabor Jim Geiger Frank Guise Dan O’Neill Dan O’Neill Chris Keim Mark Treese Matt Shiley Dirk Ayers Dirk Ayers Adam Decker

Atlantic 10 Championship Results 1982: 2nd 1983: 1st 1984: 3rd 1985: 3rd 1986: 1st 1987: 1st 1988: 1st 1990: 1st 1991: 1st

Atlantic 10 Individual Champions 1987: 1988: 1990: 1991:

Chris Keim Chris Keim Kyle Ross Matt Shiley

Eastern Championships (ECAC)

GoPSUsports.com • PENN STATE 2014–15

Honors | Team Records

Mary Kennedy Most Valuable Lion Award 1992-93: 1993-94: 1994-95: 1995-96: 1996-97: 1997-98: 1998-99: 1999-00: 2000-01: 2001-02: 2002-03: 2003-04: 2004-05: 2005-06: 2006-07: 2007-08: 2008-09: 2009-10: 2010-11: 2011-12:

Jason Tyska Ted Wrubleski Dirk Ayers Mike Banzhoff Adam Decker Byron Clift Matt Abbott Matt Abbott Matt Abbott Josh Dawes Jim Fuller Mark Leon Mark Leon Robert Rohanna Robert Rohanna Robert Rohanna Kevin Foley Kevin Foley T.J. Howe Tommy McDonagh

18-Hole Records 269 269 271 271 272 274 275 276 276 277 277 277 277 278 278 278 278

Sept. 21, 2002 Sept. 19, 1998 Sept. 22, 2002 Nov. 1, 2009 April 12, 2002 Oct. 9, 2006 Oct. 13-14, 1989 Nov. 2, 2009 Oct. 31, 1995 May 20, 2010 May 22, 2010 April 30, 2005 May 1, 1994 Sept. 25, 2006 April 30, 2004 Sept. 23, 2001 May 2, 1987

James Madison Invitational Northern Intercollegiate James Madison Invitational Renaissance Intercollegiate Princeton Invitational Alister MacKenzie Invitational Atlantic 10 Championship Renaissance Intercollegiate ODU/Seascape Invitational NCAA East Regional NCAA East Regional Rutherford Intercollegiate Eastern Championships VCU /Mattaponi Shootout Rutherford Intercollegiate JMU Invitational Eastern Championships

36-Hole Records | Full Tournament Results 559 560 561 563 564 565 565 572 573 574 32

April 12-13, 2002 Oct. 27-28, 2002 April 4-5, 2008 Oct. 26-27, 1996 Sept. 23-24, 2001 Nov. 1-2, 2010 April 6-7, 2007 Oct. 30-31, 1995 Oct. 11-12, 2004 April 9-10, 2001

Princeton Invitational Georgetown Invitational Marshall Invitational James Madison Invitational James Madison Invitational Baylor Intercollegiate Marshall Invitational ODU/Seascape Invitational MacDonald Cup Liberty Ramada Classic

PENN STATE 2014–15 • MEN’S GOLF

Honors | Team Records 575 577 577 583

Sept. 25-26, 2000 April 13-14, 2001 Sept. 11-12, 1999 Oct. 29-30, 1995

CSU Ram Intercollegiate Princeton Invitational Navy Invitational James Madison Classic

54-Hole Records | Full Tournament Results 820 834 837 838 843 844 845 851 852 854 856 859 859 860 860 860

Sept. 21-22, 2002 James Madison Invitational Nov. 1-2, 2009 Renaissance Intercollegiate May 20-22, 2010 NCAA East Regional Sept. 18-19, 1998 Northern Intercollegiate April 29-30, 2005 Rutherford Intercollegiate Sept. 18-19, 2010 Maryland Intercollegiate Oct. 1-2, 2007 VCU Shootout Sept. 25-26, 2006 VCU/Mattaponi Shootout April 26-27, 2003 Rutherford Intercollegiate Sept. 6-8, 2002 Badger Invitational April 18-19, 2009 Boilermaker Invitational April 30-May 1, 2004 Rutherford Intercollegiate April 27-28, 2002 Rutherford Intercollegiate Oct. 8-9, 2001 Xavier Provident Invite March 25-26, 2000 Dr. Pepper March 11-12, 2000 Silver Spring Shores

862 862 862 862 862 916

March 26-28, 2010 Sept. 22-23, 2007 May 20-22, 2004 May 15-16, 2004 March 15-17, 2009 March 6-7, 2013

FAU Spring Break Wolf Run Intercollegiate NCAA East Regional Maxwell Invitational Pinehurst Intercollegiate Colleton River Collegiate

72-Hole Records | Four Round Events 1,169 1,170 1,170 1,171 1,180 1,183 1,188

May 4-6, 2001 May 1-3, 2009 June 1-4, 2004 May 14-16, 1999 May 3-5, 2002 May 14-16, 1993 May 15-17, 1992

Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship NCAA Championship Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship

Fact: The most records were achieved throughout the 2001-02 season. A total of two 18-hole records, two 36-hole records, two 54-hole records and one 72-hole record were added to the leader boards. In the five tournaments where the team captured these records all were top-10 finished, four were top-5 and two were team titles. Ted Neville and Mark Leon were strong competitors for the Lions throughout the season.

18-Hole Records 63 65 65 65 65 65 65 65 65 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66 66

Josh Dawes Kevin Foley Kevin Foley Kevin Foley Jim Fuller Josh Dawes Matt Abbott Greg Marshalek Adam Decker Kevin Foley Jim Markovitz Chad Bricker Ted Neville Greg Pieczynski Jim Fuller Jim Fuller Jim Fuller Matt Abbott Dirk Ayers Robert Rohanna Kevin Foley Kevin Foley T.J. Howe JD Dornes

April 13, 2002 Oct. 8, 2007 Oct. 1, 2007 Nov. 1, 2009 Sept. 22, 2002 Sept. 22, 2001 Sept. 25, 2000 Sept. 19, 1998 Oct. 22, 1996 April 21, 2007 Oct. 9, 2006 Sept. 25, 2006 April 30, 2005 Oct. 28, 2002 Sept. 28, 2002 Sept. 21, 2002 Sept. 21, 2002 Sept. 19, 1998 Oct. 31, 1995 April. 5, 2008 April 18, 2009 Nov. 2, 2009 May 22, 2010 Sept. 6, 2014

Princeton Invitational Memphis Intercollegiate VCU Shootout Renaissance Intercollegiate James Madison Invitational James Madison Invitational CSU Ram Intercollegiate Northern Intercollegiate James Madison Invitational Fossum Invitational Alister MacKenzie Invitational

VCU/Mattaponi Shootout Rutherford Intercollegiate Georgetown Invitational Northern Intercollegiate James Madison Invitational James Madison Invitational Northern Intercollegiate ODU/Seascape Invitational Marshall Invitational Boilermaker Invitational Renaissance Intercollegiate NCAA East Regional Wolverine Intercollegiate

36-Hole Records | Full Tournament Results 136 136 136 136 137 137 137 137 138 138 138 138 139 139 139 139 139 140

Robert Rohanna Greg Pieczynski Josh Dawes Dirk Ayers T.J. Howe Robert Rohanna Josh Dawes Matt Abbott Kevin Foley Kevin Foley Scott Phillis Jeff Diehl Jay Woodward Robert Rohanna Mark Leon Andy Latowski Adam Decker Kevin Foley

April 4-5, 2008 Oct. 27-28, 2002 April 12-13, 2002 Oct. 30-31, 1995 Nov. 1-2. 2010 April 6-7, 2007 Sept. 23-24, 2001 Sept. 25-26, 2000 Oct. 8-9, 2007 April 6-7, 2007 Sept. 11-12, 1999 Oct. 26-27, 1996 Nov. 1-2, 2010 Oct. 21-22, 2006 Oct. 11-12, 2004 Sept. 23-24, 2001 Oct. 26-27, 1996 Oct. 25-26, 2008

Marshall Invitational Georgetown Invitational Princeton Invitational

140 140 140 140 140

Mark Leon Jeff Turton Matt Abbott Adam Decker Chris Keim

Oct. 27-28, 2002 Georgetown Invitational April 12-13, 2002 Princeton Invitational April 9-10, 2001 Liberty Ramada Classic March 10-11, 1997 William & Mary Invitational Oct. 10-11, 1987 Atlantic 10 Championship

54-Hole Records | Full Tournament Results 197* 201 202 202 203 205 205 205 206 206 206 207 207* 207 207 208 208 209 209 209 209 209

Jim Fuller Sept. 21-22, 2002 Kevin Foley Oct. 1-2, 2007 Kevin Foley Nov. 1-2, 2009 Matt Abbott Sept. 18-19, 1998 T.J. Howe May 20-22, 2010 Kevin Foley April 10-11, 2010 Jim Fuller Sept. 28-29, 2002 Mark Leon Sept. 21-22, 2002 Kevin Foley May 20-22, 2010 Greg Pieczynski Sept. 21-22, 2002 Jeff Turton April 27-28, 2002 Mike Miller Sept. 18-19, 2010 Terry Hertzog May 2-3, 1987 Robert Rohanna April 29-30, 2005 Kevin Foley April 18-19, 2009 Scott Phillis March 25-26, 2000 Greg Pieczynski April 30-May 1, 2004 Mark Leon Nov. 16-17, 2004 Ted Neville April 29-30, 2005 Kevin Foley Sept. 25-26, 2006 T.J. Howe Sept. 18-19, 2010 T.J. Howe March 15-17, 2009

ODU/Seascape Invitational

72-Hole Records | Four Round Events

Baylor Intercollegiate Marshall Invitational JMU Invitational CSU Ram Intercollegiate Memphis Intercollegiate Marshall Invitational Navy Invitational James Madison Classic Baylor Intercollegiate Georgetown Invitational MacDonald Cup JMU Invitational James Madison Classic Lehigh Invitational

279 284 287 288 291 291 292 293 293 293 294

Mark Leon June 1-4, 2004 Kevin Foley May 1-3, 2009 Matt Abbott May 14-16, 1999 Matt Abbott May 4-6, 2001 Dirk Ayers May 10-12, 1996 Scott Phillis May 14-16, 1999 Chad Bricker May 1-3, 2009 Mark Leon May 3-5, 2002 Andy Latowski May 4-6, 2001 Jason Tyska May 12-14, 1993 Andy Achenbach May 13-15, 1994

JMU Invitational VCU Shootout Renaissance Intercollegiate

Northern Intercollegiate NCAA East Regional Kepler Intercollegiate Northern Intercollegiate JMU Invitational NCAA East Regional JMU Invitational Rutherford Intercollegiate

Maryland Intercollegiate Eastern Championship Rutherford Intercollegiate

Boilermaker Invitational Dr. Pepper Rutherford Intercollegiate

Sun Bowl All-American Rutherford Intercollegiate VCU/Mattaponi Shootout

Maryland Intercollegiate Pinehurst Intercollegiate

NCAA Championship Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship Big Ten Championship