May 13, 2003

As the Navy golf team prepares for Thursday's start to the 2003 NCAA West Regional at the Washington National Golf Club in Auburn, Wash., three veteran golfers are poised to lead the team.

Seniors Brian Crum (Fairfax, Va.) and Nick Rogers (Lothian, Md.), along with junior Billy Hurley (Leesburg, Va.) have all had a previous opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament, Navy's last NCAA Regional appearance in 2001. The experience two years ago will help each of them, while also helping prepare teammates Joey Kistler (Savannah, Ga.) and Rocky Novellino (Bayville, N.J.) who will Crum, Rogers and Hurley.

"Having played in the regionals in 2001 helps us know how to prepare," said Rogers, who posted the Mids' low score (227, +11) in the '01 NCAA West Regional. "When we went to Oregon, we had no idea what to expect. This year, we have a little experience and can use that to drive our practice schedule. Focusing on the specific shots we might see in Washington is an important part of being prepared."

Hurley echoed Rogers' answer, but emphasized the importance of tournament play throughout the season.

"It's an experience factor," he said. "Since I've been there before, this time shouldn't be as overwhelming. But that comes from playing in many other tournaments, not just the regionals in 2001."

One other hurdle Hurley, nor his Navy teammates will have to face this year is Sea Trials. A 24-hour mini bootcamp all plebes or freshmen at the Naval Academy must take part in, Sea Trials were held on the Tuesday before the Mids were to take off for the 2001 NCAA West Regional.

Hurley was a plebe that year and took part in one of the most grueling activities a Midshipman endures at the Academy in his or her four years. Hurley's teammates waited for him to finish before flying out to Oregon as a team to compete in the regionals. Hurley finished in a tie for 101st with a 15-over par 231, just four strokes behind Rogers.

"I don't think the Academy is going to make me do Sea Trials this year, so I should be able to swing the club this time around," Hurley jokingly replied.

A more experienced Navy team could lead to the Mids' best finish in the tournament. Since 1998, Navy's highest finish has been 19th, however that year there were 23 teams entered in the field versus 27 in the current competition. Needless to say, Navy's trio of veterans has set its goals high.

"I am excited not only to be going to the regionals, but to have a chance to qualify for the finals," said Hurley. "In 2001, we didn't really have a team that was capable of that. But this year, if we play well, we will have a shot at qualifying."

Crum knows the importance of the regionals, after all it could be his last collegiate tournament. This said, he may be the calming personality of the team.

"I would like to see our team play with confidence and not try to play outside of our potential," said Crum, who has claimed three individual titles this year, including the 2003 Patriot League individual title. "It is important not to go in there comparing ourselves with any other team there. If we just play our game, then I think we can play well out there."

For Rogers, getting to the NCAA Regionals was on his mind since last year's disappointing Patriot League Championship loss.

"Last year, Brian and I both felt bad for Marty (Keogh) and Drew (Craig)," said Rogers.

"They both deserved to go out on top. Once we lost at Patriots, the somber feeling of knowing the season was cut short hit Brian and I hard. We vowed to not let that happen to us. This season was all about focusing on the end goal, getting to NCAA Finals. We trained, lifted, practiced and mentally prepared ourselves to win...and I think it worked. We will go out on top and that satisfaction is indescribable."

The field of 27 schools (UCLA, UNLV, Arizona, Georgia, Arizona State, Washington, New Mexico, USC, Pepperdine, San Diego State, California, Fresno State, Cal-Irvine, Brigham Young, Colorado State, UTEP, Denver, Oregon, Austin Peay, Stanford, Oregon State, Old Dominion, Xavier, Oral Roberts, Central Connecticut State, Navy and Loyola) representing the NCAA West Regional will tee off Thursday in a three-day, 54-hole event.

The top-10 teams and two individuals will advance out of each of the three regionals to the championship finals. The championship will be played May 27-30 at Karsten Creek Golf Club in Stillwater, Okla.