Jim Colbert Intercollegiate
Colbert Hills Golf Course
Manhattan, Kan.

Dates: Sept. 30 - Oct. 1
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,445
The Field: Kansas State, Colorado, Lamar, Louisiana-Lafayette, Missouri, Nebraska, Rice, SMU, Texas A&M, Toledo, Tulsa, Texas-San Antonio


Last Time Out
Kansas State head coach Tim Norris said this year's team could play with the best in the country, and his Wildcats proved him right when they tied for third at the Inverness Intercollegiate Invitational at the par-71, 7,255-yard Inverness Club. The ÔCats posted an 889 to tie with Big Ten team Michigan State. The field featured six teams from last year's NCAA Championships on the legendary Inverness Club course, which has played host to many of golf's major championships. ÒThe Inverness was a good, challenging golf course, which is what we are used to,Ó Norris said. ÒAs a result, we didn't panic or lose our composure if we got down on a couple of holes. The team fourght hard to the end. We showed patience and played the course the way it is supposed to be played.Ó

Kansas' Finest
Colbert Hills Golf Course opened in May of 2000, and is now often referred to as the crown jewel of Manhattan. It is rated the toughest golf course in Kansas and is a PGA Tour Licensed Preferred Collegiate Golf Course. The course played host to the women's 2002 Big 12 Championship and will host the men's 2003 NCAA Central Regional. Kansas Gov. Bill Graves and Lt. Gov. Gary Sherrer issued a proclamation in 2000 honoring K-State graduate Jim Colbert for his vision in designing and developing Colbert Hills Golf Course, declaring May 3 as Colbert Hills Golf Course Day in Kansas.

Reigning Champions
The Wildcats carded a three-round toal of 902 to claim a three-stroke victory over Lamar at the 2001 Jim Colbert Intercollegiate. Rice's Ryan Morgan took home medalist honors, shooting an even-par 216.

Wildcat Lineup
Five players will make up K-State's team for their host event. The lineup will be headed by junior co-captains Aaron Watkins and A.J. Elgert. Elgert was the top finisher for the ÔCats at last year's tournament, tying for sixth with a 7-over-par 223. Completing the roster are junior Greg Douglas, sophomore Matt Van Cleave and feshman Josh Persons.

In the Polls
Kansas State is ranked 26th in the country according to the Sagarin rankings (Sept. 24). The Jim Colbert Intercollegiate will include seven teams in the Sagarin's Top 100, featuring No. 5 Toledo, No. 20 Lamar, No. 26 Kansas State, No. 80 Missouri, No. 88 Louisiana-Lafayette, No. 97 Tulsa, and No. 99 Texas A&M. Aaron Watkins is currently the Wildcats top-rated player, standing at No. 54 in the Sagarin rakings. Also cracking the top 100 was Greg Douglas, is ranked at No. 98.

Play begins with a 9 a.m. shotgun start both days. Admission to the tournament is free for the general public and spectators are encouraged to gallery under NCAA guidelines.