On a day when the Gophers men’s golf team needed to be at its best, it was just that.
Minnesota rebounded from an 8-over first round at the NCAA Championships to shoot 13-under Thursday, vaulting into a tie for 11th place in the 30-team field and making the cut for the final two rounds.
Freshman James McLean carded a 66 to pace the Gophers. Combined with his opening-round 71, McLean is only three strokes off the individual lead.
Bill Thompson triple-bogeyed the final hole Thursday but still wound up shooting a 68 for Minnesota. Thompson went into the hole needing an eagle to tie the course record.
Junior Adam Dooley fired a 69 after shooting a 79 in the opening round. Martin LeMesurier rounded out the Gophers’ top four with a even-par 72.
“We had some guys make some unbelievable shots today, but shots we are very capable of continuing to make on this golf course the more we play here,” Gophers golf coach John Means said. “You can just see our confidence rising by the minute out here. We can’t wait to get back on the golf course.”
The top 15 teams survived the 36-hole cut. By making the cut, Minnesota assured itself of a top-15 finish, which will be the team’s highest since a ninth-place showing in 1962.
Play resumes with 18 holes today and Saturday. Minnesota will host the 1999 Championships at Hazeltine National in Chaska.
Chicoine eliminated
Gophers junior Tom Chicoine was eliminated in the second round of the NCAA singles Championships on Thursday in Athens, Ga.
Chicoine lost 6-0, 6-2 to 28th-ranked George Bastl from USC. The Neenah, Wis., native won six straight matches heading into NCAA singles play.
Lundin honored
Men’s track coach Phil Lundin was named Big Ten Outdoor Coach of the Year, adding to his recognition as the conference’s top indoor coach earlier this season.
Lundin led the Gophers to the indoor and outdoor Big Ten titles for the first time in school history.
Schmitt named top newcomer
The Gophers’ Aubrey Schmitt was named Big Ten Track and Field Newcomer of the Year following her shot put title at last weekend’s conference championships.
Schmitt also placed fourth in the shot put at the indoor Big Ten meet and 11th at the indoor NCAA meet. She is the first woman to win from Minnesota.
Gold Country Run Saturday
The third annual Gold Country Run and Gopher FanFest is Saturday. The 5K Run & Walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by Goldy’s Gallop for Kids one hour later.
The registration cost for the run is $17, while the gallop is $5. For more information, call 624-8080 or 1-800-UGOPHER.