The SouthernUniversity men’s golf team will compete in the Jackson State Universitytournament Saturday — Monday, Feb. 28 in Philadelphis, Miss.
It is the firstcompetition for the men’s team this year since Nov. 9, 2004, after competing atthe University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff where the Jaguars came in thirdplace.
“We’re trying toturn things around,” said men’s team captain Wayne Birch. “We got acouple of new players on the team, like Romer (Alacla, fr.), then we havepeople that improved a lot so we have a nice lil’ squad to take to JacksonState.”
Teams such asPurdue, Indiana, Texas Tech, Tennessee Tech and Jackson State are scheduled tobe at the tournament.
The Jaguars havebeen “rebuilding” the team, suffering because players were not attendingpractice and would be involved in other school activities.
Practice isusually held on the Louisiana State University golf course, Copper Mill,Pelican Point and The Island.
The Lady Jaguarshad five returning golfers.
The women placedfirst in the last meeting at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
“The women’steam is pretty much the same core players from last year,” said women’s teamcaptain Annie Tu. “We’ve heard rumors that our closest rivals, JacksonState is a little stronger this year, but I don’t think it should be a problemfor us to defend our title for the third year.”
The Lady Jaguarswent to Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association Regional for thelast two seasons.
Southern alsowon the SWAC tournament in the past two seasons.
“All of ourplayers are real consistent; all of our players can score on any range and havescorers on any given day,” Tu said.
The next hometournament for the men’s and women’s teams will be hosted by Southern on Feb.28- March 1, in Gonzales at Pelican Point Country Club with tee off at 8 a.m.
