April 24, 2008

LUBBOCK, Texas - Oklahoma City University captured its 12th consecutive NAIA Region VI and Sooner Athletic Conference championships in the NAIA Region VI men's golf championship Tuesday at Hillcrest Country Club.

The Stars fired a 282 to secure a six-stroke victory over Wayland Baptist (Texas). OCU ended with a 283-291-282-856 to win its 14th overall SAC title. The Stars are also the two-time defending NAIA champions and have won six of the past seven national crowns.

Anthony Michael finished runner-up to lead the third-ranked Stars. The junior from Johannesburg, South Africa, shot a 67-71-71-209 to end one shot behind regional champion Michael Loppnow of Wayland Baptist.

Loppnow became region and conference champ by shooting 71-69-68-208 on the par-72, 7,010-yard layout. Michael sank a 12-foot birdie on the par-3 17th hole to tie Loppnow, but Loppnow responded with a birdie on the final hole to win.

"We played like I expect to with our tradition, our players and our mentality," OCU coach Kyle Blaser said. "It was an exciting finish. Wayland played well, and they have a good team. They were especially motivated being the host team."

Wayland Baptist's Kevin Stinson finished tied for third with a 72-70-71-213. Ninth-ranked Wayland Baptist shot 290-284-288-862 to finish second in the team standings.

OCU's Stafford Gray turned in a 68 to tie Loppnow for the low round of the day to finish with a 74-76-68-218. Gray buried an eagle on the 11th hole. OCU's Colin Nel tied for fifth by carding 72-72-70-214.

Julian Valenciana shot 70-74-76-220 to be tied for 13th, while Clay Parks shot 76-74-73-223 for the Stars.

No. 1-ranked Oklahoma Christian ended in third, led by Bruno Buccolo's third-place individual finish. No. 12 Texas Wesleyan finished in fourth.

OCU competes next in the Maxwell on May 10-11 at Dornick Hills Golf and Country Club in Ardmore, Okla. The NAIA Championships happen May 13-16 at Indiana Golf Club in Plymouth, Ind.