College Roundup Toledo trio, Jones, Murray and Rice, rocket into top 20

By John Manley

The University of Toledo golf team placed three members, all from Ireland, among the top 20 finishers in the First Energy Intercollegiate at the Firestone Country Club North Course in Akron, Ohio.

David Jones, a freshman from Derry, tied for 10th, with a score of five-over-par 221 (73-70-78). The Rockets’ Alan Murray shared 18th place as a result of his 224 (78-72-74). Murray is a sophomore from Bray, Co. Wicklow.

Senior Tim Rice tied for 20th place at 225 (77-76-72). He hails from Rosbrien, Co. Limerick.

Ohio State’s David Waganseller was the medalist with a total of 214.

The Buckeyes also were low team, with Toledo finishing sixth, 24 strokes behind.

Chris Devlin’s string of consecutive tournament victories was snapped when he tied for second place in the Conference USA Tournament at The Club at Hidden Creek in Navarre, Fla.

Devlin, who roams the links for Alabama-Birmingham, finished three strokes behind Houston’s Andy Sanders. The Ballymena senior shot one-under-par 215 (72-73-70). He had won his two previous events and took this tournament three years ago as a freshman. Despite not winning the conference title, Devlin was named the Conference USA Player of the Year. Teammate Gr’me McDowell, from Portrush, Co. Antrim, tied for 32nd place with his 228 (76-77-75).

UAB finished second in the team standings, 22 strokes behind Houston.