Golf Ready for Nationals

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. ---- Northeastern State University’s men’s golf team begins its journey to the NCAA II National Championship that will take place at the Loomis Trail Golf Club in Blaine, Washington. The RiverHawks will take aim at its first national championship as play begins on Tuesday, May 19, and runs through May 22.

The RiverHawks will make just their second appearance in the championship, appearancing in the 2004 tourney where the then-Redmen finished seventh.

“We are real proud about making the finals. After making the regional for 10 straight years we finally made it over the hump, said head coach Scott Varner.” “Our schedule this year prepared us down the stretch and put us in great position to make a run at the championship.”

The RiverHawks closed out the 2008-2009 season with a second place finish at the UCO/Kicking Bird Invitational, followed with a third place showing at the Ichabod Invitational and claimed the school's fourth Lone Star Conference title in five years. At the LSC tournament, the RiverHawks blew away the competition posting a school and conference record shooting 39-under-par to claim a 10 shot victory.

Wagoner’s Josh Boswell and Coweta’s Sam Powell carried the RiverHawks at the NCAA II Super Regional. Boswell finished the three-round event with a two-over par 215 to place 6th and Powell carded a three-over par 216 to place 9th to lead Northeastern State to a second place finish in the 20-team field.

“Josh was our best player during the fall and went into a funk midway through season, but got his swagger back during NCAA Regional. If he can get his putter back he can really do some special things. Sam actually did not hit the ball very well at the regional, but he showed his maturity by giving us solid numbers --- in spite of the struggles with his swing --- but found a way to get it done," said Varner.

Northeastern State is the only Lone Star Conference team in the 20-team field when play begins next week. Joining the RiverHawks will be Wayne State University, University of Central Missouri, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Fayetteville State, Concord, Fairmont State, St. Thomas Aquinas, Ferris State, Indianapolis, North Alabama, Lynn College, Berry University, Columbus State, Georgia College, Colorado-Colorado Springs, Cal State- Stanislaus, Sonoma State, Grand Canyon University and Cal State-San Bernardino.

You may click here to follow the NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championship with live scoring courtesy of Golfstat.