Sept. 25, 2007

America Sky Conference Championship Results

Purple & Red Invitational Results

Layton, Utah - Utah Valley junior Nick Nelson captured the first ever America Sky Conference Individual Championship on Tuesday at Valley View Golf Course in Layton, Utah. Nelson followed up Monday's 70 with a 1-under 71 to finish -3, one stroke better than Weber State's Keaton Woodland.

"The good sign is that he struggled (on Tuesday) and was still able to win and that's the mark of a champion," said head coach Clark Rustand. "Hopefully this will set the bar high for the rest of the team. It's a huge start for him and his career. It's only going to get bigger and better for him and for the team."

Nelson, the 2007 Utah State Amateur Champion, is the first Wolverine to win an individual title since Nic van Vuuren, who won the Independent Championship in 2006.

As at team, the Wolverines shot a two-day score of 595 and finished in 6th place in the inaugural conference championship. Host Weber State shot 579 and won the team title by five shots over Sacramento State.

Jeff Gibson tied for 20th by shooting a 74 on Tuesday to finish at +5 overall. Skyler Distefano (t-23rd, +8), Nick Neal (29th, +9) and Andrew Smith (38th, +18) round out the UV golfer's scores.

In the Purple and Red Invitational, which was held alongside the America Sky Championship, Utah Valley placed 13th out of 18 teams with Nelson finishing in a tie for 7th.

"At this point I'm happy that we stayed in the 200's and stayed competitive," said Rustand. "But I do expect more and I expect us to turnaround and play better in Vegas."

The Wolverines will be in Las Vegas this weekend for the District 7 Shootout at Angel Park Golf Course.