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Show BIO /port/ MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 11 *2006 J Photo by Ben Paz Nic van Vuuren last year during a golf tournament. He looks to lead the Men's golf team to a great season. Golf tees off Jack Jared Waters Sports Writer With success in the rearview mirror, the road ahead is paved with good potential for Utah Valley State's golf teams. The season is just around the corner, and the Wolverines are ready to hit the links. On the men's side of the coin. Senior Nic van Vuuren leads the pack of hungry Wolverines as they begin their quest for dominance in Division I competition. The reigning Division I Independent Golfer of the Year, van Vuuren, will get to add to his legacy this month, with 3 tournaments scheduled. "Keep your eyes open, we have one of the best in the country. He's a player you'll want to keep track of," Coach Tommy Johnson said. It's a simple truth: will you remember you went to the same school as this phenom? The supporting cast is excited, as they are all talking about winning tournaments. "They are looking to find confidence early, and grow in it. Everywhere we go, we are the underdog, and our guys know that," Johnson said. With their first tournament at Air Force, the golfers will look for the edge to put them over the top.Though last year they started from scratch, the women's team is itching for success this season. Juniors Ashley Baldwin, Echo Thatcher, and Whitney Drumright are ready to turn heads. Coach Denise Larson said, "As long as [these] girls play to their potential, 2 or all 3 of them could make 2nd, if not 1 st. All Independent Team." Baldwin is set to build on last years' stellar season, which she earned Honorable Mention on the All-Independent team for. Don't be surprised to see her status rise this year. Six players are returning for the women, with one new face in Sarah Coop. Coach Larson has seen that Sarah worked all summer on her game, with a willingness to show that she belongs. They will all have their first opportunity to shine in Flagstaff, AZ, where the team will compete in the NAU Mountain Shootout on the Sept. 18-19. Don't miss the opportunity to cheer on the Wolverines during their only home tournament this year- Monday, October 16th. Both the men and women will play in Saratoga Springs at Talons Cove Golf Course, a beautiful course overlooking the west side of the lake. The Wolverines will face Idaho Falls, and it is open to the public. Sports Briefs Real Salt Lake UVSC hockey Jeff Cunningham was named Major League Soccer's player of the month for August. Cunningham had scored four goals and assisted on four other to help Real Salt Lake to a 4-1-0 record during the month. Cunningham finished the month off with his 15 goal of the season against the L.A. galaxy. He scored two goals early in the month in a 4-1 win over Colorado Aug. 9. The UVSC hockey team is looking for volunteer staff members for the upcoming season. The home opener for the team is Sept 22. against the University of Utah at 8:05 p.m. at the Peaks Ice Arena in Provo. The positions needed are anything from security to mascot to scorekeepers and more. If you are interested and to find out more send anemailtouvschockey@gmail.com OremOwlz Real Partnership Orem Owlz manager Tom Kotchman was named the Pioneer League co-manager of the year. This is Kotchman's second time winning the award. He won it in 2004 when the team was the Provo Angels. Billings skipper Rick Burelson received the honor as well. Pitcher Sean O'Sullivan and outfielder Chris Pettit were named to the 2006 Pioneer League All-Star team for Orem. O'Sullivan had the best ERA in the league at 1.91 and is 4-0 as a starter. Pettit has a team-leading batting average of .336 and has hit 24 for doubles and got 52 RBIs. Real Salt Lake Owner Dave Checketts confirmed last week that a 10-year partnership has been reached with one of the most famous soccer clubs in the world Real Madrid. The deal will bring Madrid to Utah every other year with the next exhibition match slated for July 2008 in the new Sandy Stadium. Real Salt Lake will also fund 50 percent of a soccer academy in Salt Lake City. Real Salt Lake Owner Dave Checketts confirmed last week that a 10-year partnership has been reached with one of the most famous soccer clubs in the world Real Madrid. The deal will bring Madrid to Utah every other year with the next exhibition match slated for July 2008 in the new Sandy Stadium. Real Salt Lake will also fund 50 percent of a soccer academy in Salt Lake City. Send your sports briefs to websterben@msn.com |