Sept. 10, 2007

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USAF Academy, Colo.- The University of Northern Colorado men's golf team finished play at the 39th Annual Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational in 17th place overall in the competitive event, held at the 7,301-yard, par-72 Eisenhower Blue Course over the weekend. The Bears fired a three-round total of 909.

The event was highlighted by a tie for first place between Iowa State and Wichita State, with each school having a three-round totals of 852 (-12). Wichita State won the playoff between the two schools to take the championship. Meanwhile, Wichita State's Ryan Spears won the medalist honor with tournament-record 203 (-13).

Senior Eric Higgins paced the Bears with a three-round score of 74 and finished tied for 39th place at 222 (+6). Higgins shot an even par 72 in the final round. Meanwhile, teammate Derek Hofmeister finished four strokes behind and tied for 55th overall.

Freshman Steve Bidne had a solid start to his first season with a 228, including a 72 in the second round, to finish tied for 63rd overall. Sophomore Brady Garr was 83rd (+17) and freshman Alberto Dell'Anna placed 99th (+32).

Northern Colorado is back in action on Sept. 24-25 when they travel to Layton, Utah to compete in the Purple & Red Invitational hosted by Weber State and the University of Utah.

Northern Colorado Individual Scores

39. Eric Higgins 74-76-72 222 (+6)

55. Derek Hofmeister 72-78-76 226 (+10)

63. Steve Bidne 76-72-80 228 (+12)

83. Brady Garr 76-76-81 233 (+17)

99. Alberto Dell'Anna 79-84-85 248 (+32)

Final Team Standing

1. Wichita State 288-278-286 852 (-12)

2. Iowa State 286-283-283 852 (-12)

3. Texas El Paso 275-281-302 858 (-6)

4. Xavier 281-289-292 862 (-2)

5. California 292-293-285 870 (+6)

6. Utah 291-295-287 873 (+9)

7. Colorado-CO Springs 291-287-297 875 (+11)

8. Colorado State 295-289-292 876 (+12)

9. New Mexico 291-295-291 877 (+13)

10. Northern Iowa 291-295-297 883 (+19)

11. Air Force Academy 296-298-291 885 (+21)

12. Weber State 291-295-305 891 (+27)

13. Southern Utah 300-289-303 892 (+28)

14. Sacramento State 298-308-288 894 (+30)

15. Wyoming 303-295-302 900 (+36)

16. Air Force Blue 308-297-299 904 (+40)

17. Northern Colorado 298-302-309 909 (+45)

18. Utah State 298-311-310 919 (+55)