By Josh Milton

Sports Editor

The Tech golf team jumped four places to finish seventh of 15 teams in the final round of the Squire Creek Invitational at Squire Creek Golf Course in Choudrant on Oct. 21.

After a slow start Monday, the Bulldogs shot a final-round team score of 301 (308-303-301 = 912).

Freshman Preston Smith led Tech in the tournament by posting a 225 (78-75-72) and medaling with a tie for 10th place, while fellow freshman Zach Trichell also recorded a final round 72 (85-79-72 = 236) to help the Bulldogs move up in team standings.

"Zach really stepped up and had a great round for us today, and Preston continued showing improvement," Tech head coach Tom Stinson said.

"Their performances today really showed the quality of kids they are and the futures they have."

Smith went toe-to-toe with eventual tournament winner and sixth ranked golfer in America Chris Stroud, and Smith showed great confidence with his final-round score of 72.

"With this field of Nebraska, Mississippi State, Lamar, Arkansas-Little Rock and other quality golf teams, for [Preston] to step up in this situation as a freshman shows a lot of maturity," Stinson said.

"Preston stepped up and showed he could compete with Stroud."

Also competing for Tech in the tournament was sophomore Derek Busby who shot a 228 (76-72-80) and finished tied for 24th. Sophomore Logan Riester recorded a 232 (76-78-78) and 38th place tie and junior Chase Hemperley finished with a 235 (78-78-79) and tie for 51st place.

In individual standings, sophomore Chad Carter chipped in a 238 (78-78-82) and tied for 65th place, while senior Sean Knox shot a 239 (80-78-81) for a 67th place tie and freshman Ben Pullin posted a 255 (83-85-87) for a 78th place tie.

Arkansas-Little Rock shot a team total 895 (304-289-302) and won the tournament by one stroke over Louisiana-Monroe, who recorded an 896 (296-298-302).

The Squire Creek Invitational wrapped up Tech's fall season, and the Bulldogs are now focusing on practice for the upcoming spring season beginning in February.

"We're finished with the fall season, and we're looking forward to spring," Stinson said. "From the first tournament to this last one, we have shown so much improvement and gained headway for the spring."

Tech also plans to host another tournament next fall at the Squire Creek Golf Course, and other coaches have shown great interest in returning.

"We had a fine tournament this week," Stinson said.

"All of the coaches were very excited to be here and are looking forward to coming back next year. Every coach commented on the fine course and incredible hospitality of Mr. Davidson and his family.

"Some big name schools are looking to come here next year. So hopefully this tournament will continue growing and bring in some fine competition," Stinson said.

Tech will open the spring season Feb. 23 at the SE Louisiana's Beau Chene Collegiate Classic.