2 01 2
UTAH GOLF
BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:
Head Coach Randall McCracken, Casey Halliday, Gentry Hicks, Myles Sullivan, Andrew Etzel, Jonathon Thomas, Michael Coopman Asst. Coach Andrew Mecham, Brandon Kida, Ben Bankhead, Jack Maerki, Daniel Engle, Joe Webber
FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:
Sept. 12 – 13 Sept. 18 – 19 Sept. 30 – Oct. 1 Oct. 17 – 18 Jan. 30 – 31 Feb. 15 – 17
Mark Simpson Invitational Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational William H. Tucker Invitational Alister MacKenzie Invitational Arizona Intercollegiate Invitational John Burns Intercollegiate Invitational
Boulder, Colo. USAFA, Colo. Albuquerque, N.M. Fairfax, Calif. Tucson, Ariz. Oahu, Hawaii
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March 16 – 17 March 22 – 23 March 30 – 31 April 20 – 21 April 27 – 29
Morris Williams Intercollegiate Invitational Barona Collegiate Cup U.S. Intercollegiate Invitational The Aggie Invitational PAC-12 Championships
Austin, Texas San Diego, Calif. Stanford, Calif. College Station, Texas Corvallis, Oregon
Quick Facts Roster
Ute Administration Director of Athletics: Dr. Chris Hill Associate AD/Sports Information: Liz Abel Associate AD/SWA: Mary Bowman Assistant AD/Ticketing: Zack Lassiter Associate AD/Internal Operations: Pete Oliszczak Associate AD/External Operations: Doug Knuth
Coaching Staff
Back row (l to r): Assistant Coach Randall McCracken, Casey Halliday, Gentry Hicks, Myles Sullivan, Andrew Etzel, Jonathon Thomas, Michael Coopman. Front row (l to r): Assistant Coach Andrew Mecham, Brandon Kida, Ben Bankhead, Jack Maerki, Daniel Engle, Joe Webber. Name Ben Bankhead Michael Coopman Daniel Engle Andrew Etzel Casey Halliday Gentry Hicks Brandon Kida Jack Maerki Myles Sullivan Jonathon Thomas Joe Webber
Elig. So. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr.
Coaching Staff Head Coach: Randall McCracken Assistant Coach: Andrew Mecham
Hometown McKinney, Texas Park City, Utah Talent, Ore. Murray, Utah Salt Lake City, Utah Oro Valley, Ariz. Layton, Utah Brightwater, N.Y.
Last School McKinney Boyd HS Park City HS Oregon State Judge Memorial Catholic HS Brighton HS Canyon Del Oro HS Layton HS Bay Shore HS
Portage La Prairie, Manitoba
West Point, Utah Sandy, Utah
Syracuse HS Alta HS
Head Coach: Randall McCracken Phone: 801.585.1041 E-mail: rmccracken@huntsman.utah.edu Assistant Coach: Andrew Mecham Phone: 801.815.3230 E-mail: andrew.mecham@slcgov.com
2010-11 Review
Name Class .Hometown Ben Bankhead Micahel Coopman Daniel Engle Andrew Etzel Casey Halliday Gentry Hicks Brandon Kida Jack Maerki Myles Sullivan Jonathon Thomas Joe Webber
So. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr.
McKinney, Texas Park City, Utah Talent, Ore. Murray, Utah Salt Lake City, Utah Oro Valley, Ariz. Layton, Utah Brightwater, N.Y Portage La Prairie, Manitoba West Point, Utah Sany, Utah
2011-12 Schedule Sept. 12-13 Sept. 18-19 Sept. 30-Oct.1 Oct. 17-18 Jan. 30-31 Feb. 15-17 March 16-17 March 22-23 April 20-21 April 27-29
Mark Simpson Invitational Boulder, Colo. Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational Colorado Springs, Colo. William H. Tucker Invitational Albuquerque, N.M. Alister MacKenzie Invitational Fairfax, Calif. Arizona Intercollegiate Invitational Tucson, Ariz. John Burns Intercollegiate Invitational Oahu, Hawaii Morris Williams Intercollegiate Invitational Austin, Texas Barona Collegaite Cup San Diego, Calif. Aggie Invitational College Station, Texas Pac-12 Champsionships Corvallis, Ore.
2010-11 MWC Finish: 7th Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 3/4 Newcomers: 8
Athletic Communications Director: Liz Abel Associate Director: Kyle Harris Assistant Director: Brooke Frederickson Assistant Director: Mike DeVine Office Manager: Kate Sturgeon Golf Contact: Emily Radivoyevich Office Phone: 801.581.3510 Mobile Phone: 801.647.0153 E-Mail: emilyr@huntsman.utah.edu
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Credits
The 2011-12 University of Utah golf guide was designed by Mike DeVine, Assistant Athletic Communications Director. Written by student assistant Emily Radivoyevich. Edited by Utah Athletic Communications. Photography by Steve Wilson.
Team Information
Team Information
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Metro Population: 1,333,914 Elevation: 4,657 feet Interim President: Dr. Lorris Betz Director of Athletics: Dr. Chris Hill Founded: 1850 Enrollment: 29,051 Nickname: Utes Colors: Crimson and White Mascot: Swoop (Red-tailed Hawk) Conference: Pac-12 Affiliation: NCAA Division I Website: www.UtahUtes.com
The University of Utah The University of Utah athletics program will begin its membership in the prestigious Pac-12 Conference beginning in 2011-12. Founded in 1850, the University of Utah now encompasses 1,500 acres in the foothills of the towering Wasatch Mountain range. The campus is located just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and world-class ski resorts, and includes an eclectic mix of teaching and research facilities in a park-like setting of trees, fountains, flowering malls and pedestrian walkways. Home to a student population of over 29,000, the U. offers some 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate majors. Many of the U’s programs are nationally ranked, including law, pharmacy, architecture, business, engineering and dance. Utah ranks among the top public research universities in the nation, with particular distinction in medicine, genetics and engineering. In 2009-2010, the University received a record-setting $450.6 million in external funding for research. University of Utah geneticist Mario R. Capecchi, one of many acclaimed faculty members, received the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine for his work on gene targeting.
The Eccles Institute of Human Genetics is one of several innovative medical programs at the University of Utah. Others include the Huntsman Cancer Institute, the Moran Eye Center and the Brain Institute.
The University of Utah
The University of Utah
Ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, the University of is renowned for its research expertise, academic performance and athletic prowess. The U. is the only institution in the state of Utah—to earn a top-tier ranking from the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and has done so for five straight years.
The U. is also noted for its work in technology and computer sciences; and its Center for High Performance Computing serves as a link to major aerospace industries, high-tech manufacturers and research companies. The University is tied for first in the nation with MIT in successfully commercializing the discoveries that occur on campus. The U. provides a lively residential living experience in beautiful Heritage Commons, which served as the Athletes Village for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Utah students enjoy unparalleled recreational activities, from skiing and snowboarding at any of eight world-class resorts in nearby canyons, to backpacking, mountain biking, fly fishing and river running. The U.’s location in the largest city in the Intermountain West (metro population 1,130,293) allows for an urban experience in a spectacular natural setting. Salt Lake City is home to professional symphony, ballet, modern dance, opera and theater companies, as well as four professional sports teams.
SNAPSHOT OF THE U. • Founded in 1850 • Research I University • Top 100 world ranking • 190 majors (undergraduate/ graduate) • 2007 Nobel Prize winner Mario Cappechi • Pac-12 Conference member starting in 2011-12
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Salt Lake City Consistently cited as one of the nation’s most livable cities, Salt Lake City ranks high for its employment and cultural opportunities, quality of life and recreation. In the May 2010 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine Salt Lake City was No. 5 on its list of the “10 Best Cities for the Next Decade.” Forbes Magazine selected Salt Lake City as “The Best City for Jobs” in both 2007 and 2008. Nestled between the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountain ranges and the Great Salt Lake, the city is located in one of the most picturesque places on earth. The lowest point within city boundaries is 4,210 feet near the Great Salt Lake, and the highest is Grandview Peak at 9,410 feet. The Great Salt Lake (48 miles wide and 90 miles long) is the world’s second largest saltwater lake and the largest lake in the western United States.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, home to the University of Utah and the state’s capital city, offers an unrivaled blend of metropolitan life and recreational opportunities. With 183,171 residents in the city limits and a metro population of 1,333,914, Salt Lake City is the largest city in the state.
Cultural and ethnic activities flourish in Salt Lake City and its vibrant downtown features dining, shopping, music and ethnic festivals, art galleries, professional symphony, opera, theater and dance. The annual Sundance Film Festival, which is the largest independent film festival in the U.S., attracts movie stars, celebrities, and thousands of film buffs to the area every year. According to P3/ Production Update Magazine, Utah is one of the “10 Best States in the Nation for Film.” Professional sports franchises in Salt Lake City include the Utah Jazz (NBA), Real Salt Lake (Major League Soccer), the Salt Lake Bees (AAA baseball) and the Utah Grizzlies (East Coast Hockey League).
The city is the cultural, financial, educational, technological, commercial, and communications hub of the Intermountain West. Utah was named the most technologically advanced state in the 2008 Digital States Survey. Salt Lake is also home to world-renowned medical and technology industries.
THE BEST CITY • Fifth-best City for the Next Decade, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine • “Best City for Jobs,” Forbes Magazine • 237 days of sunshine per year • Host city for the 2002 Winter Olympics ENTERTAINMENT • 14 ski resorts within an hour’s drive • Home to the Sundance Film Festival • Four professional sports franchises • Symphony, opera, theater and dance SALT LAKE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT • Five minutes from downtown • Delta Airlines hub • 23rd-busiest airport in the U.S.
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Utah Golf Venues
The University of Utah golf team utilizes a number of facilities -- on and off campus -- all along the Wasatch Front. On campus, Ute golfers have access to the Dee Glen Smith Athletics Center weight room, along with a strength and conditioning coach assigned to them. Additionally, Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations Pete Oliszczak works directly with the student-athletes to ensure they are getting the most out of their experience.
• Bonneville Golf Course • Glendale Golf Course • Glenwild Golf Club
954 Connor St., Salt Lake City, UT 84108 1630 W., 2100 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84119 7600 Glenwild Dr., Park City, UT 84098
801.583.9513 801.974.2403 435.615.9988
www.slcgov.com/publicservices/golf/Bonneville.htm http://www.slcgov.com/PublicServices/Golf/Glendale.html http://www.glenwild.com/privategolfcourse/
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
3602 W., 100th N., Salt Lake CIty, UT 84104 1386 N. Redwood Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 Interstate 80 Exit 134 Salt Lake City, UT 84109 4415 Links Dr., West Valley City, UT 84120 Thaynes Canyon Dr., Park City, UT 84098 9300 Riverside Dr., Sandy, UT 84070 Soldier Hollow, Midway, UT 84049 1247 Mike Weir Dr., Draper, UT 84120 1690 W., 400 N., Odgen, UT 84404 3300 W. Clubhouse Dr., Lehi, UT 84043 11820 S. Highland Dr., Sandy, UT 84092 8505 Willow Creek Dr., Sandy, UT 84093 2400 Country Club Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84109 8770 N. Jeremy Rd., Park City, UT 84098 925 S. West Temple, Salt Lake CIty, UT 84101 2501 E. Gentile Rd., Layton, UT 84040
801.575.2345 801.596.5030 801.582.3812 801.957.9000 435.615.5800 801.568.4653 435.654.7442 801.495.0500 801.392.4653 801.768.7400 801.571.0583 801.942.1954 801.466.8751 435.649.2700 801.746.1291 801.546.1630
http://www.slcgov.com/PublicServices/Golf/Wingpointe.html http://www.slcgov.com/PublicServices/Golf/RosePark.html http://www.slcgov.com/publicservices/golf/MountainDell.html http://www.golfstonebridgeutah.com/ http://www.utah.com/golf/courses/park_city.htm http://riveroaksmunigolf.com/ http://www.soldierhollow.com/golf_course.php http://www.utah.com/golf/courses/south_mtn.htm http://www.utah.com/golf/courses/mulligans.htm http://www.thanksgivingpoint.com/visit/golf/about.html http://hiddenvalley.cc/ http://www.willowcreekcc.com/ http://www.saltlakecountryclub.com/ http://www.thejeremy.com/ http://www.golflab.net/ http://www.valleyviewutah.com/
Wingpointe Golf Course Rose Park Golf Course Mountain Dell Golf Course Stonebridge Golf Course Park City Golf Course River Oaks Golf Course Soldier Hollow Golf Course South Mountain Golf Course Mulligan’s Thanksgiving Point Hidden Valley Country Club Willow Creek Country Club The Country Club of Salt Lake Jeremy Ranch Country Club The Golf Lab Valley View Golf Course
Valley View Golf Course
Utah Golf Venues
Utah Golf Venues
Off campus, Utah golfers practice at a number of nearby courses. The following is a list of courses and facilites utilized by the Utes:
Country Club of Salt Lake
Bonneville Golf Course
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The Utah Experience Utah cross country student-athletes have access to some of the finest support services and facilities in the nation.
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Pac-12 Here We Come
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Pac-12 Here We Come
Pac-12 Here We Come
In July of 2011, the University of Utah moved into the Pac-12 Conference. Utah formally accepted an invitation to join the conference as its 12th member on June 17, 2010, a week after Colorado made its announcement. In doing so, Utah and Colorado became the conference’s newest members since 1978.
Boulder, Colo.
Andrew Mecham
Head Coach • Eighth Season
Assistant Coach • Second Season
Andrew Mecham is in his second season as the assistant coach of the University of Utah golf program.
Randall McCracken is in his eigth season at the helm of the University of Utah golf program. He took over as the Utes’ head golf coach on July 15, 2004.
Since May of 2009, Mecham has served as an assistant golf professional at Mountain Dell Golf Course. He is a class A Professional Golfers’ Association of America member and has played in numerous local PGA events in both the Utah and Southwest Sections
McCracken came to the U. from Utah Valley State College, where he had served as the head men’s golf coach for two seasons. McCracken was also the golf teaching professional at Willow Creek Country Club.
After three years as an assistant, he was promoted to the prestigious title of head golf professional at the Oasis Golf Club. He managed a 36-hole semi-private facility with over 150 members and over 17,000 group outing rounds. One of his highlights was hosting the Big Break Mesquite golf event on the Golf Channel.
In 2009, McCracken led the Utes to the Purple & Red Invitational title, where Utah won the first playoff hole over Arkansas-Little Rock. The Utes also took runner-up honors at the Gene Miranda Falcon Invite that season.
Mecham graduated as a film major with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Utah in 1994. He began his professional career in April 2002 as an assistant golf professional at Willow Creek Country Club. Since then, he has returned to his hometown as the assistant golf professional of Mountain Dell Golf Course.
McCracken guided Dustin Pimm to two straight appearances in the NCAA West Regional as well as an NCAA National Championship appearance in 2005-06, the first ever by a Ute. McCracken began his career as a golf instructor and the assistant golf professional at the Idaho Falls Country Club from 1994-95. His next stop was Destin, Fla., where he served as the director of instruction at the Emerald Bay Resort from 1996-99. In 1998, McCracken began a four-year stint with Wine Golf, L.L.C. in Jacksonville, Fla. He was the vice president of Wine Golf from 19982001 and doubled as the director of instruction at the Mike Wine Golf Academy from 1999-2001. Since moving to Utah, McCracken has volunteered his time with several at-risk youth golf programs. He has also been the lead instructor for Project GAIN, a Salt Lake City/University of Utah-based program for teaching golf to persons with disabilities. The Eugene, Ore. native, McCracken attended the University of Oregon, playing on its golf team from 1991-94. McCracken graduated from Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in parks, recreation and tourism in 1995. McCracken captured 10 wins in professional golf tours throughout the southeastern United States from 1994-96. He played in numerous PGA section championships and Nationwide Tour events from 19972001. In 1999, he won the National PGA Assistants Championship and was named the PGA Dixie Section Assistant Player of the Year. He was exempted into the second stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament in both 2000 and 2001. He also earned an exemption into the 2000 Tooney’s National Championship in New South Wales, Australia, where he finished 10th. Most recently, McCracken held conditional status on the Candian Tour in 2007.
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Coaching Staff
Cocaching Staff
Randall McCracken
2011-12 Preview
“Top to bottom, we are better than we were last year,” says McCracken. “The seniors put a little too much pressure on themselves last season. This year we have a deep roster, with 10 eligible players and a lot of talent.” Junior Joe Webber is one of three Utes returning to the squad. After being redshirted last year, Webber is eager to prove himself a consistent player. McCracken saw his skill develop more to par at the end of the 2010-11 season and knows that a year of practicing has helped Webber hone his game. “We redshirted Joe last year and he didn’t travel,” notes McCracken. “He really showed himself as a better player at the end of his second year. He will probably be in the top two or three of our roster.” Andrew Etzel is another returning Ute, who also redshirted last season. An entire summer of practice has really paid off for the junior and McCracken sees a “night and day” difference in his game. “He struggled over the last three years,” says McCracken. “But I am really excited to see how he performs. He has improved so much over summer and really adjusted to collegiate play.”
Joe Webber
Sophomore Ben Bankhead traveled during the 2010-11 season as a freshman. McCracken sees Bankhead assuming a leadership role along with Webber. “Ben has had a whole year of experience, playing in all 12 tournaments,” McCracken acknowledges. “He is all about the team’s success.” Daniel Engle joined the Utes as a freshman transfer from Oregon State during the spring of 2011 and returns to the squad as a sophomore. He was able to play in four tournaments and competed as an unattached player in three. “Daniel is a hard worker and a talented golfer,” McCracken says. “He is not fazed by college golf.”
Arizona-native Gentry Hicks joins the Utes as a freshman, and has impressed coaches with his powerful swing. McCracken acknowledges Hicks has an overall great talent and a key addition to the team.
“Myles is an under-the-radar kind of guy,” McCracken says. “He is mechanically sound from top to bottom and his biggest adjustment will be playing at this level. He is a quiet kid but is extremely talented.”
“He is a 100 percent pure golfer,” claims McCracken. “We lucked into getting him and are fortunate he came here. He hits the ball extremely far. He works on his game instead of just his swing and isn’t super technical.”
Freshman Jonathon Thomas is the fourth local talent added to the Ute squad. McCracken hopes to develop the Syracuse High School graduate into a consistent player over the next few seasons.
Freshman Brandon Kida is another native talent, joining Utah from Layton High School. McCracken believes he is one of the best talents to come out of the state and sees the potential in Kida’s talent.
“Jonathon hits the ball by far the longest of anyone on the team,” McCracken states. “He has good control overall on his game and knows how to use his athleticism. We need to improve his short game and he will be a great collegiate player in a short time.”
Local talent and 3A state champion Mike Coopman joins Utah as a freshman. McCracken considered redshirting him, but Coopman has exceed his expectations.
“Brandon has proven himself to be a great player in the Pac-12,” says McCracken. “He gets into a rhythm and the sky is the limit. His physical game is great and we will get his mental game solid.”
“Mike is a workaholic and is comfortable in the system,” McCracken elaborates. “He is a big kid and is extremely athletic, which makes him easier to teach and coach. He is an under-theradar player who will be great in a couple of years.”
Freshman Jack Maerki comes to Utah from Brightwater, N.Y., and is yet another talent to exceed coaches’ expectations.
Junior Casey Halliday transferred to Utah from Weber State, where he was consistently one of the Wildcats’ top two players. McCracken hopes to see Halliday take advantage of his collegiate experience and compete for a top spot on the Ute roster. “I am excited to have Casey join our team,” McCracken says. “He has proven himself on the collegiate level and on the road.”
Andrew Etzel
“We knew he was a good player, but thought he would need development,” admitted McCracken. “He surprised us. Our expectations were too low and we are extremely pleased with his game.”
Although the Utes relied on a mostly senior team to carry them through the 2010-11 season, McCracken is looking forward to coaching this talented set of golfers and relying on them for a successful first year in the Pac-12. The Utes are scheduled to compete in 10 tournaments this season before heading to the Pac-12 Championships in Corvallis, Ore., April 27-29. To tee off their spring season, Utah will participate in the Arizona Intercollegiate Invitational in Tucson, Ariz., Jan. 30-31, 2012.
As a freshman from Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Myles Sullivan has not received much exposure in the United States, but McCracken believes he will add to the Utes’ pool of talent over the next few seasons.
Ben Bankhead
UTAHUTES.COM
Gentry Hicks
2011-12 Preview
When looking ahead to the Utah golf team’s inaugural season in the Pac-12 Conference, the strong competition the Utes will face doesn’t faze eighth-year head Coach Randall McCracken. Although the team doesn’t have a single senior and only has three returning letter-winners, McCracken believes a younger, deeper and more talented roster is what will lead the Utes to a successful 2011-12 season.
Andrew Etzel
Casey Halliday
Jr. • Salt Lake City, Utah • Judge Memorial Catholic H.S.
Jr. • Layton, Utah • Layton H.S.
Stats Stroke Average
Best Score/Finish
2010-11 2009-10
DNC DNC 81 161 (84-77)/ 49th
Meet the Utes
2010-11: Redshirt. 2009-10: Stroke average was 81 … top finish was 49th place at the Utah Collegiate Shootout (84-77-161) where his second-round score was his low of the season … placed 69th in the Purple and Red Invitational (85-77-82-244). 2008-09: Did not compete.
Prior to Utah: Played last two seasons at Weber State … earned No. 1 spot for one semester, and was named to the All-Big West Conference Team … played four years of golf under Jim Gresh at Brighton High School … won region championships and went on to place sixth in the state championships … lettered all four years and was named first-team all-state his junior and senior years. Personal: Son of Dana and Jana Halliday … born April 9, 1991 in Salt Lake City … one older brother, Tristan … majoring in graphic design … enjoys basketball, skiing, mountain biking, and climbing.
Prior to Utah: Attended Judge Memorial Catholic High School ... lettered all four years in varsity golf ... won individual state and was on all-state team during senior year ... also played basketball and track … won a state championship in each sport. Personal: Son of Tom Etzel and Vivian Fisher … born Dec. 15, 1989 in Salt Lake City … enjoys movies, hiking, and camping … majoring in accounting and information systems.
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Meet the Utes
Season
Joe Webber
Benjamin Bankhead
Jr. • Ogden, Utah • Alta H.S.
Stats
Season
Stroke Average
2010-11 2009-10
DNC DNC 76.61 214 (71-72-71)/T-10th
Season 2010-11
Best Score/Finish
2010-11: Redshirt. 2009-10: Stroke average of 75.27 in 15 rounds during five tournaments … low rounds of 71 at the BYU Cougar Classic (71-72-71), where his first and third-round scores helped him achieve his top finish of tied for 10th … was named to the Mountain West Conference Academic All-Conference Team for the second consecutive year. 2008-09: Averaged 76.61 in 18 rounds ...played in six tournaments … low round of 70 at the Falcon Invitational 224 (76-70-78) … named to the MWC Academic All-Conference Team. Prior to Utah: Attended Alta High School ... lettered four years in golf ... three-time all-state selection ... all-region for four years ... region II individual champion in 2007.
Stroke Average 75.8
Top Score/Finish 217 (71-75-71)/ T-19th
2010-11: Season-best score of 217 at the Ping Cougar Classic tied him for 19th … stroke average of 75.8 … season low round of 71 at the Wyoming Cowboy Classic and the Ping Cougar Classic. Prior to Utah: Attended McKinney Boyd High School and graduated in the top 10 percent, ranked thirty-six out of six-hundred nine (36-609) … won the 4A-5A high school tournament, placing in the top 10 in six out of eight events … was first team all districts during freshman, junior, and senior years … played in the No. 1 position during junior and senior years … finished senior year with a 73.2 scoring average.
Meet the Utes
Meet the Utes
Stats
So. • McKinney, Texas • McKinney Boyd H.S.
Personal: Son of Donis and Barefoot Bankhead … born May 11, 1992 in Chicago, Ill. … one sibling, Brooks Bankhead, currently plays golf at Mississippi State … major is undecided.
Personal: Born September 30, 1989 ... son of Steven and Jill Webber ... has three siblings, Aaron, Stevie, and Lexy ... business major.
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Meet the Utes
Fr. • Park City, Utah • Park City H.S.
Prior to Utah: Attended Park City High School …lettered all four years under coach George Murphy … individual state champion during his senior year … participated in three state championships with team as well as two region championships … was also an honor roll student. Personal: Son of Mike and Denise Coopman … three siblings Brianna, Stephanie and Jacob … sister Brianna (22) plays golf at the University of Iowa … born Dec. 16, 2992 … enjoys golfing and snowboarding … major is undecided.
Daniel Engle
So. • Talent, Ore. • Oregon State
2010-11: Best performance was at the BYU Ping Cougar Classic, where an individual three-round mark of 215 (70-75-70) tied him for 11th … tallied a 76.5 swing average … played as an individual in three of six spring tournaments. Prior to Utah: Redshirted during the 2009-10 season at Oregon State University … twotime conference champion in 2007 and 2009 for Phoenix High School in Phoenix, Ore. … was the 4A Oregon state-champion his senior year, winning by four shots and setting an Oregon high school record … four-time letter earner in golf and cross country, as well as one letter in track. Personal: Son of Doug and Lonna Engle … born Feb. 3, 1991 in Medford, Ore. … three siblings, Nicole, Talia, and Adrienne … intends to major in business … was member of the National Honor Society at Phoenix High School.
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Gentry Hicks
Fr. • Oro Valley, Ariz. • Canyon Del Oro H.S.
Prior to Utah: Attended Canyon Del Oro High School … Arizona High School Golfer of the Year and first-team all-state in 2011 … won individual and team 4A state champion his senior year … second-team Southern Arizona in 2010 … lowest three-round mark during high school career was 204, six-under-par … played and lettered all four years … averaged .09 strokes under par his senior year … member of the National Honor Society and Principal’s Honor Roll.
Meet the Utes
Michael Coopman
Personal: Son of Jennifer and Murray Hicks … three siblings, Andy, Aubree and Chelsee … born Jan. 24, 1993 in Marana, Ariz. … father Murray played baseball for University of Arizona and was in the College World Series … enjoys golfing, basketball, flag football, hiking and horseshoes … majoring in physical education.
Meet the Utes
Fr. • Layton, Utah • Layton H.S.
Prior to Utah: Attended Layton High School … placed third as an individual and team in the 2010 Utah 5A State Championships … finished first as an individual and fifth as a team in the 2009 Utah 5A State Championships and was also a Region I co-medalist … 2010 UHSAA Academic All-State and All-Region … medalist in five (of 10) high school tournaments … placed first in the 2010 US Jr. Amateur Championships as well as the Utah Golf Association 2010 Winterchamps … career stroke average of 68.1 and low round mark of 62 … lettered all three years in both golf and basketball and was team captain for both sports. Personal: Son of Jeff and Cynthia Kida, both University of Utah alumni … two younger sisters, Kelsey and Cami … born August 2, 1992 in Layton, Utah … intends to major in business and finance.
Jack Maerki
Fr. • Brightwaters, N.Y. • Bay Shore H.S.
Prior to Utah: Attended Bay Shore High School in Bay Shore, N.Y. … lettered five times and was also five-time most valuable player … was New York High School All State in 2011 … best career finish was eighth at the 2009 Carter Cup Invitational … he also reached the quarterfinals at the 2009 Met Junior Tournament … finished 13th at the Lessings American Junior Golf Association Classic. Personal: Son of Craig and Linda Maerki … born May 18, 1993 in Bay Shore, N.Y. … two siblings, Kerry and Ian … father Craig is University of Utah alumnus and golf professional … major is undecided.
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Myles Sullivan
Fr. • Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada
Meet the Utes
Brandon Kida
Jonathon Thomas Fr. • West Point, Utah • Syracuse H.S.
The University of Utah golf team was lead by its most experienced seniors, Jeff Kitches, Derek Adams, Mike Branca, and Chase Hite. However, fresh young talent Ben Bankhead also contributed the overall successful season. Kitches led the Utes through their top three finishes of the season. The Utes saw their season best at the 2011 Ping Cougar Classic, its last tournament of the season, in Provo, Utah. The squad posted a team-best performance of 869 (291-291-287), earning them a season-best finish tied for seventh. Kitches also posted his best finish of the season in the individual rankings, shooting an even-with-par 216 (73-72-71) to tie for 15th.
Prior to Utah: Attended Syracuse High School … lettered all four years … had a scoring average of 70.2 during his senior year … first-team all-state selection … was on the 5A High School State championship team in 2009 … participated in the Antigua US High School National Tournament and posted a low round of 63 … played in the US Jr. America’s Cup in 2010 … played as a US Jr. Amateur in 2010 … was also a pitcher on the baseball team. Personal: Son of Steven and Carmen Thomas … two brothers, Chris and Matt … born Dec. 30, 1992 in Sacramento, Calif. … major is undecided.
The squad swung a mark of 885 (297-290-298) at the Purple and Red Invitational, the team’s solo home tournament of the season, to tie for 10th. Kitches tied for 15th with a mark of 216 (72-74-70). Adams’ efforts also led the Utes to several successful tournament finishes, including a 12th-place finish at the Arizona National Invitational Tournament in Tucson, Ariz. Adams led the team, tying for 26th with a mark of 223 (76-77-70) while the squad posted a final score of 914 (312-302-300). Adams also led the Utes at the University of Wyoming Classic in Scottsdale, Ariz, swinging a two-over-par score of 212 (70-72-70) to tie for 20th. The Utes saw a season-low score Returner Ben Bankhead led Utah in of 284 during the third round of the tournament, which helped earn them a 15th-place two meets last season, the Arizona finish and a final score of 870 (292-294-284).
Intercollegiate and the Barona Cup.
Branca led the Utes at the New Mexico William H. Tucker Invitational in Albuquerque, N.M., tying for 12th after posting a score of 220 (74-74-72). Utah earned an 11th-place finish with a final mark of 909 (304-300-305). Bankhead’s efforts led the Utes through two tournaments, including his season-best performance at the San Diego State Barona Cup in San Diego, Calif. A mark of 225 (7277-76) tied the freshman for 32nd, while the team tied for 14th with a final score of 1152 (368-383-401). Bankhead was also the top performer at the Arizona Intercollegiate in Tucson, Ariz., where he swung a 227 (74-78-75) to tie for 46th. The team posed a mark of 926 (302-315-309), which tied them for 15th. Utah wrapped up their season at the Mountain West Conference Championships in Tucson, Ariz., earning a seventh-place finish with a score of 874 (297-291-286), while Branca and Bankhead earned top-20 finishes. Branca tied for 13th with a one-over-par mark of 214 (76-72-66) and Bankhead tied for 15th with a score of 215 (74-78-75).
2010-11 Results
Date
Tournament
Team Scores Finish/Out of
Top Ute/Score/Finish
Sept. 19-20
Falcon Invitational
308-309-306=923
T-17th/18
Derek Adams/225 (72-79-74)/T-49th
Sept. 27-28
Simpson Invitational
304-300-294=898
9th/14
Jeff Kitches/220 (73-73-74)/T-24th
Oct. 1-2
Tucker Invitational
304-300-305=909
11th/16
Mike Branca/220 (74-74-72)/12th
Oct. 11-12
Purple and Red Invitational 289-295-304=888
T-10th/16
Jeff Kitches/216 (72-74-70)/T-15th
Oct. 25-26
Wimberly Invitational
299-313-289=901
14th/15
Derek Adams/218 (76-74-68)/16th
Jan. 31- Feb.1 Arizona Intercollegiate
302-315-309=926
15th/16
Ben Bankhead/227 (74-78-75)/46th
Feb. 16-18
311-311-288=910
16th/17
Jeff Kitches/222 (75-76-71)/ T-46th
March 21-22 Arizona NIT
312-302-300=914
12th/15
Derek Adams/223 (76-77-70)/T-26th
March 24-25 Barona Cup
368-383-401=1152
14th/16
Ben Bankhead/225 (72-77-76)/T-32nd
April 4-5
Cowboy Classic
292-294-284=870
T-15th/20
Derek Adams/212 (70-72-70)/T-20th
April 15-16
BYU Cougar Classic
291-291-287=869
T-7th/18
Jeff Kitches/216 (73-72-71)/T-15th
May 5-7
MWC Championships
297-291-286=874
7th/9
Mike Branca/214 (76-72-66)/T-13th
Burns Hawaii Intercollegiate
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Kitches led the squad once again at the Mark Simpson Colorado Invitational in Erie, Colo., where the Utes saw a 9th-place finish, their second-highest rank of the year. Kitches tied for 24th with a final score of 220 (73-73-74).