Willamette Continues to Receive Points in Bushnell Golfweek Coaches Poll

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University men's golf team continues to receive votes in the Bushnell Golfweek Coaches Poll for NCAA Division III, moving from 10 points on Feb. 19 to 17 points in the poll released on Friday, March 11.

Willamette was listed fourth among those receiving votes but not ranked. Whitworth University, also from the Northwest Conference, received two points in the poll. The cutoff for the Top 25 this week was 37 points.

Methodist College (N.C.) remained #1 in NCAA Division III with 395 points and 11 first place votes. Oglethorpe University (Ga.) followed at #2 with 366 points, a jump of two spots from #4 in the previous poll. Oglethorpe received one first place vote.

University of St. Thomas (Minn.) held its position at #3 with 3561 points. Wittenburg University (Ohio) advanced one position to #4 with 336 points. Berry College (Ga.) slipped three spots to #5 with 327 points.

Willamette placed third at the UPS Invitational this past weekend. The tournament was held at Gold Mountain Golf Club in Bremerton, Washington. Willamette shot 297 in both rounds for an overall score of 594.

Clark Wilson (Jr., Ocean Park, WA/Ilwaco HS), Trent Jones (Fr., Kenmore, WA/Shorecrest HS) and Sam Hinton (Fr., Seaside, OR/Seaside HS) were part of a four-way tie for fourth place in the individual standings with 36 hole scores of even-par 144. Clark shot 74-70, Jones shot 71-73 and Hinton carded 72-72.

The Bearcats are set to compete at the Lewis & Clark Invitational this weekend at Heron Lakes Golf Club in Portland, Oregon. Action will take place on Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13 with 18 holes scheduled each day.