Sept. 19, 2004

MADISON, Wisc.--Three Miami University golfers finished in the top 20 as the RedHawks bumped up a spot from their second-round standing to finish in fourth place among the 13-team field at the Northern Intercollegiate in Madison, Wisc., hosted by the University of Wisconsin.

Junior Ryan Swelin (Sundre, Alberta/Sundre), who was tied for the lead at six-under entering Sunday's final round, finished in 15th place at two-over par 218 to lead the RedHawks. In his collegiate debut, sophomore Jeff Blank (Sylvania, Ohio/St. Francis DeSales) finished in a tie for 18th place, moving up eight spots on the final day, at four-over par 220. Junior Matt Thomas (Blasdell, N.Y./Orchard Park) was the other RedHawks to finish among the top 20, tying for 20th place at five-over par 221 after a final round of 72 to jump 12 places in the final standings.

Junior Rob Davidge (Oxford, Ohio/Culver Academy) also greatly improved his final standing with a third-round score of 72 to tie for 33rd place at eight-over par 224. Sophomore Joshua Dean (Richmond Hill, ONT/St. Robert Catholic) finished in a tie for 59th place to round out the Miami five.

Wisconsin claimed the team title, finishing at two-under par 862 as a team, while Illinois' Garrett Chaussard seized individual medalist honors, finishing at five-under par 211.

This was the second of five fall events for the RedHawks, who return to the links Sept. 27-28 at the Cardinal Intercollegiate hosted by the University of Louisville.

Miami (299-284-297=880) 4th
Ryan Swelin (70-68-80=218) 15th
Jeff Blank (76-71-73=220) t-18th
Matt Thomas (77-72-72=221) t-20th
Rob Davidge (76-76-72=224) t-33rd
Josh Dean (80-73-81=234) t-59th

Wisconsin (289-276-297=862) 1st
Penn State (285-289-294=868) 2nd
Illinois (285-286-299=870) 3rd
Miami (299-284-297=880) 4th
Marquette (300-286-298=884) 5th
Michigan (299-287-300=886) 6th
Ball State (293-285-309=887) 7th
Iowa (297-290-301=888) 8th
Northern Illinois (293-297-300=890) 9th
George Washington (300-296-298=894) t-10th
Drake (302-294-298=894) t-10th
Akron (307-303-310=920) 12th
Bowling Green (301-310-311=922) 13th