Bearcats are Set for NWC Fall Classic in Men's Golf

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

RIDGEFIELD, WASH. -- The Willamette University men's golf team will compete at the Northwest Conference Fall Classic on Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sunday, Oct. 28 at Tri-Mountian Golf Course. The NWC Fall Classic counts for one-fourth of points available for the overall NWC team title.

The NWC Spring Classic counts for another one-fourth of the total, while the NWC Championship tournament has double the value with one-half of the points. Each team receives points for its finish at each of the three events.

Action will get underway with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. (PDT). The men's tournament will begin on the front nine, while the NWC Fall Classic in women's golf, which also is being held at Tri-Mountain, will start out on the back nine.

Top golfers for the Bearcats this fall have been Ryan Kukula (So., Ocean Park, WA/Ilwaco HS), Jeffrey Lewis (So., Eugene, OR/Sheldon HS) and Cody Plofker (So., Montclair, NJ/Monclair HS). Kukula tied for fifth place at the Boxer Classic hosted Pacific University on Sept. 23-23, as he finished 36 holes at 150 (78-72). He finished in seventh place at the Whitman Invitational on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, carding a two-day score of 144 (70-74).

Plofker tied for 15th place at the Boxer Classic with a total of 155 (79-76). Lewis placed 21st at the Boxer Classic, as he achieved a score of 165 (79-85). Plofker and Lewis both shot 155 at the Whitman Invitational. Plofker recorded 74-81, while Lewis shot 80-75.

All three of WU's leaders have at least one round at or below 75 this season, led by Kukula's 70 on the first day of the Whitman Invitational.