Titans Capture District 4 Golf Title; National Tournament Next

Eastern Florida's men's golf team captured the NJCAA Division I District 4 title for the third time in the last four seasons on Tuesday in Cullman, Alabama.

The Titans shot 296 for a 36-hole total of 290-288-296=874 to edge second-place and host Wallace State of Alabama which shot 287-295-294=876.

The victory also was the sixth in the last 14 years for the nationally second-ranked Titans.

Eastern Florida moves on to the NJCAA Division I National Championship May 17-20 at Duran Golf Club in Viera, Florida along with Wallace State, Darton State, Faulkner State and Central Alabama.

The trip to the tournament is the 14^th straight for Eastern Florida.

Individually for the Titans, Kerry Sweeney shot 73 to finish tied for second at 215. Wallace State's Eli Marty shot 70 for 208 to finish first.

Corey Herman shot 79 for 218 to tie for fifth; Brad Bawden shot 73 for 221 to tie for ninth; Michael Keymont 71 for 222 to tie for 12th; and Tyler Bennett 89 for 240 to tie for 42nd.

"It was a very difficult day today," said Titan head coach Jamie Howell. "The hole locations were very challenging. We hung in there very well. We finished strong when we needed to.

"The guys will celebrate this victory but then get down to the next task at hand which is preparing for nationals."

The victory was the first of the spring season for the Titans.

Also Tuesday Howell received coach of the year awards for NJCAA District 4 and Golf Coaches Association of America, also for District 4.

"It's all about the players," Howell said. "You have good players who make you look like good coaches. It's all about them."