May 15, 2003
 

Golembeck, Smith Share Men’s Golf “MVP” Honor

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- Juniors Chad Golembeck and Billy Smith have been chosen co-winners of the Illinois Wesleyan University men’s golf team "Most Valuable Player" honor for the 2003 season.

Golembeck (Petersburg, Porta HS), who was the Titans’ MVP as a freshman, finished fourth in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin tournament as IWU won its third straight league championship. For the season he averaged 76.1 strokes over 13 rounds and had a season-low score of 71 on two occasions.

Smith (Champaign, Central HS), who was the team’s MVP last season, also averaged 76.1 in 13 rounds and his season-best was 71 in the Augustana Invitational.

Smith and sophomores Eric Hellman (Bloomington, Normal West HS) and Eric Danielson (Channahon, Minooka HS) all tied for 10th in the CCIW tourney and, along with Golembeck, were named all-conference performers.

In another team honor, Hellman won the “Titan Pride” award. He averaged 76.4 strokes over 13 rounds and had the team’s low score of the season with a 69 in the Millikin Invitational on April 18.

Head coach Jim Ott awarded letters to seven players, all of whom return for next season. They are, with hometowns and high schools:

JUNIORS - Chad Golembeck, Petersburg (Porta HS); Bryan Noonan, Champaign (Centennial HS); Billy Smith, Champaign (Central HS).
SOPHOMORES - Eric Danielson, Channahon (Minooka HS); Eric Hellman, Bloomington (Normal West HS).
FRESHMEN ­ John Michael Ekblad, Elmhurst (York HS); Mark Samartino, Aurora (Marmion Academy).
 

CONTACT: Stew Salowitz, 309-556-3206