Butler Men Claim North-South Intercollegiate Title

March 10, 2004

Senior Colin Christie shot a four-over-par 148 and captured medalist honors while leading Butler to the team title at the six-team North-South Intercollegiate Tournament held at Jacksonville Beach Golf Club in Jacksonville, Fla., on Monday and Tuesday, March 8-9. It was Butler's first competition this spring.

Christie shot an opening round 75 on the 6,590-yard, par 72 layout. He came back with a one-over-par 73 on the second day of the competition to finish in first place, two strokes ahead of runner-up Trey Deal of Longwood.

Five other Butler golfers placed in the "Top 20" in the tournament. Freshman Chris Spitler turned in rounds of 80 and 76 to tie for sixth place in the final individual standings, while sophomore Will Turner shot 78 and 80 to tie for ninth. Freshman Justin Kime tied for 15th (82-79), while seniors Jeff Chapman (78-85) and Jonathan Novak (83-80) tied for 18th.

Butler edged Longwood by one stroke for the team title. The Bulldogs shot 311 and stood third after the first round, but stormed back with a tournament-best 309 in the final round to grab the title. Bethune-Cookman came in third, followed by Creighton, Loyola and Hampton.

BUTLER SCORES: 1. Colin Christie 148 (75-73); 6. Chris Spitler 156 (80-76); 9-T. Will Turner 158 (78-80); 15-T. Justin Kime 161 (82-79); 18-T. Jeff Chapman 163 (78-85); 18-T. Jonathan Novak 163 (83-80).