Olean, N.Y. / Bartlett C.C. — The
Robert Morris University men's golf team opened its 2013-14 schedule with one of the best performances in team history en route to winning the25th Leo Keenan Invitational Tuesday. It is the third time that the Colonials have won the event hosted by St. Bonaventure University at Bartlett Country Club in Olean, N.Y., the last time coming in 2011.
The Colonials opened the event by firing a first round 287, the third-lowest round in team history, on the 6,308-yard par-70 layout. The team added four strokes for a 291 in the second round, but its 578 total was the second-lowest 36-hole tournament total in program annals.
RMU blew away the competition by 11 strokes to earn its first tournament title since winning the RMU Colonial Classic in October of last season. Northeast Conference rival LIU Brooklyn was tied for second with host St. Bonaventure at 589. Canisius finished fourth (595) followed by Humber (597), Drexel (608), Daemen (611), Seneca (623) and Niagara (629).
Sophomore
Garrett Browning (Imperial, Pa. / West Allegheny) took medalist honors for the first time in his career after posting two top-10 finishes in his rookie season. He shot even-par 70 in the opening round, a number that had him in a tie for second place. A 73 in round two gave Browning the title by two strokes after the first round leader struggled to a 77 following a first round 69.
Junior
Santiago Mejia (Bogota, Colombia / Blessed Hope) finished second posting a 74 in the opening round of play. Mejia had the best score in the second round for Robert Morris, coming home in 71 strokes for a 145 total.
Freshman
Dean Hitt (Jackson, Mich. / Lumen Christi) tied for seventh in his first collegiate event. A first round 70 had him tied for second before a 77 brought him home with a 147 total.
Junior
Matt Gurska (Hermitage, Pa. / Kennedy Catholic) was the most consistent Colonial over the two rounds. His 148 total put him 11th as he carded a second round 75, two strokes more than his 73 Monday. Junior
Ryan Prokay (Grove City, Pa. / Grove City) rounded out the team scores with a 150. His 17th place finish was the result of a second round 72, a six-stroke improvement following an opening round 78.
Freshman
Mac Cavanaugh (West Newbury, Mass. / Pentucket Regional) placed 36th as an individual. He started with a four-over par 74 that was followed by an 82.
25th Leo Keenan Invitational
Bartlett Country Club – Olean, N.Y.
Par 70 – 6,308 Yards
Sept. 16-17, 2013
1. Robert Morris, 578
2. LIU Brooklyn, 589
St. Bonaventure, 589
4. Canisius, 595
5. Humber, 597
6. Drexel, 608
7. Daemen, 611
8. Seneca, 623
9. Niagara, 629
RMU Individuals: 1.
Garrett Browning (70-73=143); T2.
Santiago Mejia (74-71=145); T7.
Dean Hitt (70-77=147); T11.
Matt Gurska (73-75=148); T17.
Ryan Prokay (78-72=150); Individual: T36.
Mac Cavanaugh (74-82=156)
