Bulldog Golfers Davison, Swanson Chosen For U.S. Ambassador Team To Scotland

Big Rapids, Mich. - A pair of Ferris State University golfers will be afforded the opportunity to experience competition on an international level this summer as part of a U.S. Ambassador Team that will play in Scotland.

Bulldog junior Trent Davison (Rockford) of the FSU men's golf team along with junior Ashley Swanson (Flushing/Flint Powers Catholic Central) from the women's program have both been chosen by USA Athletes International as one of 12 student-athletes on their respective teams.

Davison will join a men's team guided by Tiffin head coach Darby Roggow that will take part in the IGI Series in St. Andrews from August 12-21.  The squad will consist of 12 athletes from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and will compete in a series of matches against a local Scotland club.

Meanwhile, Swanson will team up with players from across the Midwest Region for the women's team in the IGI Series set for August 5-14 in St. Andrews.  The squad will be guided by University of Indianapolis head coach Brent Nicoson.

Players from across the conference were recommended for the team based on two key elements including their athletic ability and ability to represent their country, school and hometown in a positive manner.

In addition to the competition, both teams will also take time to tour Scotland and learn about the history and culture of the historic country.

USA Athletes International created the International Golf Initiative (IGI) as an opportunity for selected players to experience the thrill of competing in the international setting while serving as an ambassador for golf and their institution.

USA Athletes International is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that seeks to provide educational opportunities that are facilitated through athletic competition.  The outfit provides one of the few opportunities for athletes to experience the competition, history and culture of other countries on an international level.

This season, Davison was named to the 2013 Division II PING All-Midwest Region Team and was an All-GLIAC First Team honoree as he placed fifth in the league's scoring process with a 73.80 average based upon his 10 best rounds in league play along with the conference tournament.  This year marked the second consecutive year in which he attained All-GLIAC First Team laurels.

In the 2012-13 campaign, Davison finished among the top 20 golfers in nine of his 11 tournaments. His totals included five top-10 finishes and he placed third in three seperate events this season.

Meanwhile, Swanson was an All-GLIAC Second Team recipient while helping the Bulldogs to a national tournament berth.  It marked the first time in her collegiate career in which she had received all-league recognition.

Swanson competed in all 10 tournaments for the Bulldogs in 2012-13 and posted four top 20 finishes.  She twice placed within the top 10 overall in tournament action, including an impressive seventh-place finish at the 2013 GLIAC Championships held in April in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Both Ferris State golf programs are guided by head coach Mike Mignano. The Bulldog men made their 11th-straight national tournament appearance while the women's squad was in the national field for the 12th year in a row this past season.

For more information about USA Athletes International, visit its website - www.usaai.org.