Golf team experiences success in first year away from AIC The Bisons enjoyed a successful season in their first year away from the defunct Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference. The golfers began their run of success by winning the Henderson State University tournament in Glenwood. The Bisons shot a 276, winning by two strokes over Henderson State (278), with Ouachita Baptist (295) placing third. The Bisons traveled to Cleveland, Miss., on March 15and16 to compete in the Delta State University Invitational. Astrong field of 19 teams was assembled to compete for the tournament championship. Harding finished in fourth place by shooting 611. The Bisons continued their excellent play by winning the Greystone match at Cabot with a score of 311. Fourteen teams competed for the championship ofthe Northwest Mississippi Invitational tournament in Memphis. The Bisons earned a third-place finish against strong competition. The Cherokee Village tournament was played on April 18. Harding won the tournamentwithascoreof310. Brad Wood and Andrew Baker tied for Medalist honors as each one shot a 76. At the NAIA regional tournament, the Bisons did not qualify for the NAIAnational tournament although Wood was named to the All-Region team. Wood and BradWilliams led the team for much of the season, but team members David Angel, Baker, John Harris, John Laffoon, Darren Parks, Chad Williams and Stephen Bell all contributed to the team's success in 1996. "We had a good season," Coach Nicky Boyd said. The Bisons begin a new era this year by competing in the Lone Star Conference. They will compete for the conference championship this year. Because ofthe new conference affiliation, Harding is eligible to compete in the NAIA regional tournament while they go through a probationary period for NCAA affiliation. A strong class of talented newcomers, as well as quality returning players, are in place for the this season. Coach Boyd said he is confident about the new year. "I think we are going to be very good this year," he said. Wood said, "This could be the best team that we have had since I've been here." - Lance Lemmonds Golf: Coach Nicky Boyd, Darren Parks, Chad Williams, John Harris, Brad Wood, Brad Williams,' Andrew Baker. Photo by Jeff Montgomery. Golf 261
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