Varsity Tops Alumni In Inaugural Fowler Cup

ERIE - The inaugural Fowler Cup, honoring the University of Colorado's long-time late golf coach, was a success here Monday despite some wicked weather that moved in mid-afternoon, forcing play to end nine holes earlier than anticipated.

That was fine with the 2005 Buffaloes, as they held the Alumni at bay in defeating their elders, 9-6, in a format that included two-man team matches in the morning and singles competition after lunch at Vista Ridge Golf Club.  The event, named for former CU coach Les Fowler, also helped raise money for the Les Fowler Scholarship Endowment.

The Varsity owned a 3?-1? lead at "intermission," after two-man team match play that featured six holes of a scramble format, followed by six holes of best-ball and then six holes, if necessary, of alternate shot play.  Then the current Buffaloes expanded the final margin to three after play was called when the weather turned wet with afternoon rainfall, with play ended after nine.

 "We vigorously protest that play was called," alum Steve Irwin said jokingly. "We were just making our move."

 "The inaugural event went very well," CU head coach Mark Simpson said.  "The alums were excited about playing, and for the current team, this was a great tune-up for the Big 12 Championships later this week.  It helped get us back into a competitive mode since we last played in a tournament over two weeks ago.

 "We want to get more back to participate, and I think the excitement generated today will spread by word of mouth," Simpson added.  "It can be a really good combination of bringing the guys back in addition to making it a competitive day for our team."

Assistant coach and alum Brad Neher, who was 0-1-1 on the day, said the alumni liked the format and the opportunity to meet the current team.

 "What I really liked is that the alums said that we have to do this more often," Neher said.  "This was exactly what we wanted to accomplish, so it was a big thumbs up.  The alums not only loved seeing each other again, they really liked getting to meet the kids and playing with them." 

            The Buffs will depart Wednesday for the Big 12 Championships in Trinity, Texas.  Juniors Kenny Coakley, Edward McGlasson, Blake Moore and Derek O'Neill along with freshman Shea Sena will make the trip for CU; Simpson, who was back at work Monday following cancer surgery two weeks ago, is hopeful of making the trip but will decide Tuesday if he will travel.  Neher is going regardless.

Varsity 9, Alumni 6

Morning Matches (Varsity 3?, Alumni 1?)

(scramble, best-ball, alternate shot match play)

Ryan Anderson/Jim Grady (V) def. Pat Diaz/Mike Glaesel, 3 and 1

Kevin Bolles/Steve Irwin (A) def. Blake Moore/Derek Tolan, 3 and 2

Kenny Coakley/Derek O'Neill (V) def. Tony Aguilar/Paul Lobato, 1 up

Pat Grady/Shea Sena (V) def. Tim Brauch/Pat Reidy, 1 up

Daniel Androphy/Edward McGlasson (V) vs. Brad Neher/Tom Noonan, All Square

Afternoon Singles Matches (Varsity 5?, Alumni 4?)

(match play, called after 9 holes due to rain)

Edward McGlasson (V) def. Paul Lobato, 2 and 1

Shea Sena (V) def. Tim Brauch, 1 up

Derek O'Neill (V) def. Brad Neher, 2 up

Pat Grady (V) def. Pat Reidy, 1 up

Pat Diaz (A) vs. Jim Grady, All Square

Kevin Bolles (A) def. Derek Tolan, 2 and 1

Steve Irwin (A) def. Ryan Anderson, 2 and 1

Tony Aguilar (A) def. Blake Moore, 2 and 1

Tom Noonan (A) def. Daniel Androphy, 4 and 3

Kenny Coakley (V) def. Mike Glaesel, 1 up