Michigan State University
Robert Kepler Invitational at Ohio State
Men's Golf Claims Fifth At The Robert Kepler Intercollegiate
4/14/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
April 14, 2002
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Michigan State men's golf team finished fifth out of 17 teams at the 33rd Robert Kepler Intercollegiate, presented by Cleveland Golf. Due to rain, Sunday's (April 14) final round was cancelled. The Spartans, ranked No. 31 according to Golfweek's collegiate poll, posted a final two-round score of 590 (300-290). Tournament champion UNLV recorded a 576 (288-288). The tournament was played at Ohio State's Scarlet Golf Course, the site of the 2002 NCAA Men's Golf Championships
The Spartans, who shot 300 in Friday's (April 12) first round, rallied to improve by 10 strokes in the second round.
"Overall, I was pleased with our performance," said head coach Mark Hankins. "After the first round, we were upset."
Sophomore J.J. Beckstrom (North Muskegon, Mich.) finished tied for second place as he recorded 143 (72-71). He finished the tournament only one shot over par.
"J.J. had another great finish," said Hankins.
Junior co-captain Eric Jorgensen (Big Rapids, Mich.) finished the tournament with a score of 147 (75-72). Junior John Koskinen (Baraga, Mich.), who fired a 1-under par and team-best 70 Saturday (April 13), finished with a 148 (78-70).
Senior co-captain Nathan Clark (Mason, Mich.) recorded a tournament score of 152 (75-77) while freshman Andrew Ruthkoski (Muskegon, Mich.) rounded out the weekend with a score of 156 (79-77).
Michigan State returns to action April 27-28 at the Fossum/Spartan Invitational at Forest Akers West Golf Course, located on the campus of Michigan State University. The Fossum/Spartan Invitational is Michigan State's lone home event of the season.
33rd Robert Kepler IntercollegiateFinal Team Results
1. UNLV 288 288 5762. Colorado 295 284 5793. Purdue 293 289 5824. Northwestern 289 300 5895. Michigan State 300 290 5907. Auburn 297 295 592 Indiana 299 293 5928. Toledo 296 299 5959. Ohio State 299 298 597 Illinois 299 298 59511. Michigan 303 295 59812. Miami of Ohio 298 304 60213. Texas A&M 305 304 60914. Kent State 311 300 61115. Wisconsin 308 304 61216. Iowa 314 301 61517. Marshall 311 310 621
Spartan Individuals
T2. J.J. Beckstrom 72-71 143T17. Eric Jorgensen 75-72 147T24. John Koskinen 78-70 148T50. Nathan Clark 75-77 152T70. Andrew Ruthkoski 79-77 156
