Middle Tennessee is <em>Golfweek's</em> "National Team of Week"

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Golfweek assistant editor Lance Ringler tabbed the Middle Tennessee men's golf team as his Cinderella pick to advance out of the East Regional and into the NCAA National Championship for the first time in school history last week.

This week the publication has named the Blue Raiders as its "National Team of the Week," for the third time this season after Middle Tennessee shot a 6-under 846 to finish ninth and advance into next week's national tournament, hosted by Purdue, May 28-31.

"It is great recognition and publicity for our team, especially at this point in the season," Middle Tennessee first-year Head Coach Whit Turnbow said. "This certainly has been a special season for us but we are still one of 30 teams playing Division I college golf and that's a great feeling."

The No. 46-ranked Blue Raiders reached their first NCAA Championship with one of the best rounds in school history. Middle Tennessee carded a 2-under 282 in the final round, which tied for the second-best third round total in school history. The 6-under 846 is the second-lowest 54-hole total in school history. Middle Tennessee also opened with one of the top scores ever as the 6-under 278 first-round total was third lowest in school history.

Two Blue Raider individuals also turned in strong 54-hole totals. Rick Cochran's 4-under 209 tied for the eighth best three-round total, while Kent Bulle's 212 is tied for 25th all-time for 54 holes.

Although this is Middle Tennessee's first appearance in a NCAA Division I National Championship, the program already has one national championship to its credit. The Blue Raiders won the 1965 national title in Division II (or the College Division) when schools either played in the College (Division II) or University (Division I) divisions. Middle Tennessee was also runner-up for the Division II National Championship in 1968.

Middle Tennessee also had two individual national golf champions with Gary Head winning the 1963 title and Larry Gilbert capturing the 1965 crown en route to helping lead the Blue Raiders to the national championship.

The Blue Raiders will depart for West Lafayette, Ind., Sunday and play a practice round on Monday and Tuesday before the National Championship begins Wednesday. The 30 teams will play three rounds - Wednesday-through-Friday - before the field is cut to 15 for the final round, May 31.