April 5, 2002

BRANSON, Mo. - The Kansas State men's golf team will be competing at the Branson Creek Invitational on April 8-9 at the par-71, 7,036-yard Branson Creek Golf Course in Branson, Mo. The Wildcats were just one stroke shy of winning the title in Branson last year, finishing second to Arkansas Little-Rock, which posted a 557 (275-282) to K-State's 558 (285-273).

Kansas State is coming off its best performance of the spring season, when the Wildcats captured third at the CU/Stevinson Ranch Invitational. The Wildcats posted a score of 8-over-par 872 (286-290-296). Sophomore A.J. Elgert garnered his sixth top-20 finish of the season, placing seventh for the 'Cats with a 1-under-par total of 215 (67-73-75).

The tournament field will include three Big 12 schools and 11 teams out of District V. The field is comprised of Iowa State, Kansas State, Nebraska, Bradley, Illinois State, Northern Iowa, Oral Roberts, St. Louis, SE Missouri State, host SW Missouri State, Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky.

Leading the Wildcats into Branson will be Elgert and senior Matt Williams. At last year's event, Williams shattered the Kansas State school record, firing a 7-under-par 64 during the final round of the tournament and going on to tie for third place with a 6-under-par 136 (72-64). Elgert has been setting the pace for the 'Cats this spring, leading the team in three of four tournaments and picking up three top-10 finishes along the way.

Also competing for the 'Cats will be sophomore Bryan Schweizer, who joined Williams in the top five last year tying for fifth with a 5-under par 137 (69-68), senior Bryan Milberger and junior Mark Sprecker. Freshman Jonathan James will make the trip to compete as an individual.

The tournament kicks off at 8 a.m. Monday with 36 holes of competition, followed by the final 18 holes on Tuesday. Results will be available on the K-State website at www.k-statesports.com following each day's competition.