March 27, 1999

POTTSBORO, Texas – The Notre Dame mens golf team stands in 15th place out of 19 teams at the Dr. Pepper Intercollegiate, heading into Sundays final 18 holes at the par-72, 6,953-yard Tanglewood Resort.

Irish freshman Steve Ratay is tied for 24th in the 96-player field after carding rounds of 74-75 in Saturdays rain-delayed action. Senior Willie Kent was tied for eighth place after opening with an even-par 72 but slipped to a share of 51st after a second-round 82.

Senior Brad Hardin (83-74) and junior Todd Vernon (79-80) round out the Irish contingent while junior Jeff Connell withdrew due to illness.

Minnesota (290-284) holds a one-shot lead over Northwestern (287-288) atop the team competition while Notre Dame (308-311) is six shots behind Wisconsin and Akron and seven behind Wichita State.

Minnesotas James McLean (72-67) holds a one-stroke lead on Northwesterns Luke Donald (69-71) in the race for medalist honors.

TEAM STANDINGS (36 of 54 holes): 1. Minnesota 290-284/574; 2. Northwestern 287-288/575; 3. Illinois 291-297/588; 4. Michigan State 295-297/592; 5. Toledo 295-302/597; Michigan 291-306/597; 7. Texas-Arlington 300-299/599; 8. Indiana 304-297/601; 9. Miami (Ohio) 297-305/602; 10. Purdue 303-300/603; 11. Texas Tech 302-308/610; 12. Wichita State 305-207/612; 13. Wisconsin 307-306/613; Akron 307-306/613; 15. Notre Dame 308-311/619; 16. Jackson State 306-314/620; Penn State 312-308/620; 18. Northern Illinois 311-312/623; 19. Iowa 314-327/641.

TOP INDIVIDUALS (of 96): 1. James McLean (MINN) 72-67/139; 2. Luke Donald (NW) 79-71/140; 3. Billy Wiliamson (AKRON) 70-73/143; Josh Habig (NW) 73-70/143; 5. Michael Harris (MICH) 70-74/144; Erik Ciotti (NW) 70-74/144; Mark Henderson (ILL) 71-73/144.

NOTRE DAME SCORES: 24. Steve Ratay 74-75/149; 51. Willie Kent 72-82/154; 69. Brad Hardin 83-74/157; 78. Todd Vernon 79-80/159; Jeff Connell WD-WD.