Sunday, May 9, 2010

Texas-Pan American Leads Defending Champions Tennessee State by Three after 36 Holes

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- After witnessing a tragic flood that just missed engulfing its Nashville campus and having the team charter bus break down, the prospect of fighting the South Florida sun and a three-stroke deficit is a mere bump in the road for Tennessee State University's men's golf team. It's all in a week's work for the Tigers, who rode senior Chris Seibel's career-best 6-under-par 66 Saturday at PGA Golf Club's Wanamaker Course to make it a race with pace-setter Texas Pan-American for the Division I men's title in the 24th PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship.

"We made up two strokes today, and Chris gave us a great lift," said Tigers Coach Chip Taylor, a PGA Professional, recalling how his 2009 team erasing a 10-stroke deficit in the final round. "What we're looking for is a good performance from all five tomorrow." Texas Pan-American, bidding to capture its third overall national title and first since 2007, demonstrated the depth it needed from the balance of its line-up to post a 581 total through 36 holes. Tennessee State is next at 584, followed by Jackson State University at 596, and Bethune-Cookman University at 600.

Peni Sanjoto of Prairie View A&M University sent a shot flying on Friday. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)

"We've had two decent rounds, and despite us letting about seven or eight strokes go on the last six holes, I'd rather us be leading by three than trailing by three," said Texas Pan-American Coach Santiago De Larrea. "I'm happy that Tennessee State is there with us. They're very good fighters. It's going to be very interesting tomorrow. We have always wanted to get this title back, and I feel my kids are pretty confident and know what it will take to win."

The Championship, making its 13th consecutive appearance at PGA Golf Club, features a field of 185 student-athletes representing 41 colleges and universities and golfers from 15 countries.

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