April 25, 2003

Lehigh's men's golf team returns to action beginning Saturday, as the Mountain Hawks play host to the 2003 Patriot League Golf Championship. The two-day event will take place at Lehigh's home course: the Grace Course at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem.

Last time out, the Mountain Hawks won the 12th Annual Lehigh Valley Collegiate, as the host school defeated Lafayette, Moravian, and Muhlenberg at the Grace Course. Sophomore Patrick McCahill took home top individual honors, posting an even-par 72 on the afternoon. Senior Rob McMenimon and sophomore John Jaravata tied for second place with a 75.

"We're excited to host the event on our home course," said Lehigh head coach Kelly Gutshall. "If we get off to a good start early, I think we'll see some very positive results."

The two-day championship should be quite competitive once again. Last year, there was a three-way tie for medalist honors between Army's Scott Manley and Kevin Lee, along with Navy's Billy Hurley. The Black Knights won the event held at West Point, with Navy finishing second, and Lehigh third. The Mountain Hawks' Patrick McCahill was the top Lehigh finisher, as he was eleventh overall.

Saturday's action gets underway at 7:30 am from Saucon Valley, as the participants hit the links for the first of three rounds.