Spartans Grab Lead At Rutgers Invitational
9/12/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Sept. 12, 2008
Complete First Round Results in PDF Format 
Piscataway, N.J. - The USC Upstate men's golf team got off to a strong start to the 2008-09 season by shooting a 3-under 281 Friday at the Rutgers Invitational, taking a three-stroke lead into Saturday's final round at the Rutgers University Golf Course.
Upstate won the team championship at the Rutgers Invitational last year, its first tournament playing on the NCAA Division I level. Michael Lawrence won the individual title a year ago and is in prime position to repeat after turning in a 3-under 68 on the 6,337-yard, par-71 course. He is tied at the top of the leader board with Towson's Chris Scialo and Bryant's Scott Congdon.
Upstate turned to its veterans to lead the team Friday. Lawrence won last year's tournament with a 4-under total in the 54-hole event. With 24 teams in the field this year, the tournament has been shortened to 36 holes. Lawrence turned in a strong 68 to lead the Spartans Friday. Josh Gallman, who finished second behind Lawrence a year ago, is tied for seventh at 1-under with seven other players, including fellow Spartan Baxter Culler.
"Their leadership has been very strong," said Upstate head coach Todd Lawton. "These guys want to win and play as well as they can play every round and every shot. Even when they miss a shot, they get back on-track. They are truly leaders in every way. It's really incredible how they have treated the freshmen. They have taken them under their wings and you could never tell that this is the freshmen's first trip."
While the veterans took the lead for Upstate, two newcomers also turned in solid results after the first round in each player's first collegiate tournament. Bryan Otis shot a 2-over 72 and is tied for 27th, while Scott Boston turned in a 76 and is tied for 60th.
"Both of them knew going in that we won the tournament last year and that is added pressure," said Lawton. "Neither has played a golf tournament this far away from home. Both started well and shot even on the front nine. They both fell off at the end, but overall I couldn't be more pleased with their start."
Upstate will carry a three-stroke lead over Bryant into the final round Saturday. Bryant shot an even-par 284. Towson and Binghamton are tied for third with a 287, while Seton Hall (288), Long Island-Brooklyn (289), Temple (292), Central Connecticut (293), Boston College (295)and Sacred Heart (295) round out the top 10.
