RICHMOND, Ky. - Coach Pat Stephens' Eastern Kentucky University men's golf team closed its 2000 spring season with a second-place finish in the rain-shortened Ohio Valley Conference Golf Tournament held earlier this week at The Tennessean Golf Club in Paris, TN.

The tourney, which was originally scheduled for 54 holes, was shortened to 36 holes because of excessive rain in western Tennessee as the 10 teams played 18 holes of golf on both Monday and Tuesday. EKU led by one stroke over eventual champion Middle Tennessee after the first day, 310-311. But Middle came back strong on Tuesday, posting a team total of 296 to win the tournament by 10 strokes over second-place EKU.

"Middle Tennessee is a very tough team... one of the top 50 teams in the nation," said Stephens. "That first day we played like we were capable of playing, although we played in horrible weather (cold temperatures and rain)."

EKU senior Eric Willenbrink rebounded after his opening round 78 to post a 70 and finish in second place in the individual standings, three strokes behind MTSU's Brett Alexander. Other Eastern golfers and their scores and places were: senior Chad Creech, tied for fourth, 152; junior Jim Milam, tied for sixth, 153; sophomore Brad Morris, tied for 37^th, 164; and senior Brandon Tucker, tied for 42^nd, 167.

"We're really pleased with the way Eric played. His 70 on the second day was the best round of the tournament. We will certainly miss him next year," said Stephens.

Willenbrink was selected by the league coaches for his regular season's play to be on the All OVC team. He and teammate Creech were also named to the OVC's All Tournament Team.

Rounding out the team scores were: Austin Peay, third, 619; Tennessee Tech, 620; UT Martin, 626; Murray State, 633; Morehead State, 642; Eastern Illinois, 648; Southeast Missouri, 652; and Tennessee State, 653.

Middle Tennessee now advances to NCAA regional play next month as OVC champion.