FSU Men's Golf Opens Wittenbach Era With Sudden Death Championship Victory

Big Rapids, Mich. - The Ferris State University men's golf team opened a new era under first-year head coach Kyle Wittenbach in a big way as the Bulldogs claimed first-place at the Northern Michigan Wildcat Invitational in Marquette over the weekend.

The Bulldogs won a 5-vs-5 sudden death playoff to claim the team championship after tying with Cardinal Stritch atop the team leaderboard as both squads carded 614 figures over the two rounds of competition.

Ferris State posted a 315 score in day one action on Saturday before firing a tournament-best 299 figure while rallying in Sunday's final 18 holes of action.

It marked the season debut for the Bulldogs this campaign under FSU alum Wittenbach, who formerly served as the head coach at NMU.

"This year couldn't have started on a better note for our men's program," said Wittenbach. "It just doesn't get better than winning in an exciting 5 vs 5 sudden death playoff after coming from behind in the final round. I'm so happy for these guys."

FSU and Cardinal Stritch both finished three strokes ahead of Lake Superior State, which shot 617 for the tournament. Saginaw Valley State took fourth place (619) with Northern Michigan fifth (623) followed by Grand Rapids Community College (667) and Mott Community College (668).

FSU was led by senior Ben Cook, who carded a 151 total on rounds of 79 and 72 over the two days of action. Teammate Jack Weller shot 154 on rounds of 78 and 76 in round one and two, respectively, while Ryan Bayer carded a 155 total. He shot a first-round 80 followed by a 75 in the final round.

Sophomore Seth Terpstra posted a 158 total on rounds of 78 and 80 with Andrew Hammett firing a 159 score. After shooting a first-round 83, he came back with a 76 in the final 18 holes of action.

The Bulldogs Cody Simons also competed as an individual and posted a 155 total on rounds of 81 and 74 over the 36 holes of competition.

Complete results from both the men's and women's competitions at the Wildcat Invitational will be available soon.

The Bulldog men will be back in action next weekend at the GLIAC North Invitational to be held in South Haven, Mich.