May 6, 2008

(Middletown, De.): Clarion University's Jared Schmader (Fr. Cooperstown/Maplewood) is tied for first in medal play and the Golden Eagle Golf Team is in fourth place after 36-holes of the NCAA Division II East Regional Golf Tournament held in Middletown, Delaware.

A 54-hole event that ends on Wednesday, Indiana surged to the lead in team competition on Tuesday at the Back Creek Golf Club, firing a second day total of 292 and has a two day total of 599. Fairmont State is four strokes back with a 603 total after shooting 299 today, and West Liberty is third with a 608 total and a 305 today. Clarion sits alone in fourth place with a 625 team score after shooting 311 today. Rounding out the eight team field are Millersville in fifth with 629, Charleston in sixth at 634, Ohio Valley seventh with a 636 and Concord eighth at 643.

Clarion freshman Jared Schmader fired a three-over 74 on Tuesday, and coupled with his 72 on Monday, is tied for first place in individual play with a 146. Also checking in at 146 is IUP's Nic Milito. Right behind the duo are Justin Carroll of Fairmont State and Gavin Smith of IUP with a147 totals, and Cal's Brian Batko is fifth at 148.

On the par 71, 6,585 yard course, Schmader was three-over on the front nine on Tuesday, but steadied himself and shot an even par 36 on the back to card his 74.

Other Clarion players on Tuesday had Justin Moose carding a second consecutive 77 for a 154 total (18th), Sean Foust an 80 to go with 79 on Monday for a 159 (27th), Justin Cameron an 80 to go with a first round 86 for a 166 (38th) and Preston Mullens a second straight 87 for a 174 total.

The NCAA Division II Regional is a 54-hole event that will finish with play on Wednesday. Clarion head coach Al Lefevre is in his 9th season at Clarion and has led the Golden Eagles to the Regionals the last seven straight years.