Sophomores continue unbeaten streak in Eagle Cup

(MERIDIAN) - With both teams being tied for the Eagle Cup, every match counted on the final day as five points where up for grabs at Briarwood Country Club for the Singles Matches that would determine the Champion.

After a forfeited halve by both teams in the Stephens vs. Rainer match, the score was still tied at 2 ½ points for each team with just four matches remaining in the Fall 2008 Eagle Cup.

John Cleveland would grab the first point of the day for the Sophomore team as he defeated Freshman team captain, Cory Williamson 3&1. The Sophomores had a 1 point advantage at 3 ½ to 2 ½.

Mark Drube defeated Nick Hawkes to earn the Freshman team a point and pull the Eagle Cup back to All Square as both teams had 3 ½ points. History had shown that the Eagle Cup was intense and perhaps the most competitive match play championship in all of Junior College Golf as all previous Fall Eagle Cups had gone into a play-off, and with just two matches remaining, that outcome still looked likely.

With Sophomore Captain, Clay Bounds defeating Chris Cochran 3&2, the Sophomores were guaranteed no worse than a play-off and they could win the Cup outright with one more victory. The Cup rest in the hands of Tanner Sparks.

Sparks was 1 UP with one hole to play, after a par by his opponent, Garrett Westbrook on the #18th green, Sparks was left with a 10 foot par putt to win the Cup for the Sophomore team. The Belmont, MS-native calmly drained the putt and in turn gave the Sophomore team their fifth consecutive Eagle Cup.




Results:
Day One
Four-Ball Match play
Match 1- Clay Bounds/Matt Stephens defeated Cory Williamson/Tyler Rainer 5&4
Match 2- Nick Hawkes/Tanner Sparks defeated Mark Drube/Garrett Westbrook 1 UP

Day Two
“True” Alternate shot match play
Match 1- Cory Williamson/Mark Drube defeated Clay Bounds/Nick Hawkes 2&1
Match 2- Garrett Westbrook/Chris Cochran defeated Tanner Sparks/John Cleveland 6&4

Day Three
Singles match play
Match 1- Matthew Stephens halved Tyler Rainer AS
Match 2- John Cleveland defeated Cory Williamson 3&1
Match 3- Tanner Sparks defeated Garrett Westbrook 1 UP
Match 4- Mark Drube defeated Nick Hawkes 3&1
Match 5- Clay Bounds defeated Chris Cochran 3&2

Point Totals
Sophomores 5 ½
Freshmen 3 ½

Teams:
Sophomore Team- Freshman Team-
Clay Bounds (captain) Cory Williamson (captain)
Nick Hawkes Garrett Westbrook
John Cleveland Mark Drube
Tanner Sparks Chris Cochran
Matt Stephens Tyler Rainer

History:
Date Winner
Fall 2006: Sophomores
Spring 2007: Sophomores
Fall 2007: Sophomores
Spring 2008: Sophomores
Fall 2008: Sophomores

Freshmen Make Comeback On Day Two

Once again Day Two of the fifth semi annual Eagle Cup had perfect weather and clear skies as the format featured alternate shot match play at historic Northwood Country Club.

Heading into the day, the "Sophomore" team was looking to add to their 2-0 lead while the "Freshmen" team was looking to mount a comeback.

The first match of the day featured Chris Cochran and Garrett Westbrook against John Cleveland and Tanner Sparks.

Cochran/Westbrook grabbed an early lead and never let up. Cochran/Westbrook closed out the match 6&4 to earn the "Freshmen" their first point of the Eagle Cup.

The final match of the day would serve as the most entertaining as Clay Bounds and Nick Hawkes were paired against Cory Williamson and Mark Drube.

Bounds/Hawkes looked to be cruising to a victory as they were 3 UP after six holes. Bounds/Hawkes held that 3 UP lead at the turn, then Williamson/Drube turned the tide winning 3 of the next 5 holes to take an amazing 1 UP lead with 2 to play. Williamson/Drube won the 17th hole to win in a comeback 2 & 1. By doing so, the "Freshmen" team had tied up the overall Eagle Cup points at 2 - 2.

The final day of the three day Eagle Cup concludes Thursday afternoon at Briarwood Country Club. The final day will feature five different singles matches with a total of five points up for grabs- with a tie between the teams- it’s safe to say that it’s still anybody’s game.


Fall 2008

“EAGLE CUP”

Results:
Day One
Four-Ball Match play
Match 1- Clay Bounds/Matt Stephens defeated Cory Williamson/Tyler Rainer 5&4
Match 2- Nick Hawkes/Tanner Sparks defeated Mark Drube/Garrett Westbrook 1 UP

Day Two
“True” Alternate shot match play
Match 1- Cory Williamson/Mark Drube defeated Clay Bounds/Nick Hawkes 2&1
Match 2- Garrett Westbrook/Chris Cochran defeated Tanner Sparks/John Cleveland 6&4

Day Three
Singles match play
Match 1- Matt Stephens vs. Tyler Rainer
Match 2- John Cleveland vs. Cory Williamson
Match 3- Tanner Sparks vs. Garrett Westbrook
Match 4- Nick Hawkes vs. Mark Drube
Match 5- Clay Bounds vs. Chris Cochran

Point Totals
(after Rd 2)
Sophomores 2
Freshmen 2

In case of a tie, the two team captains (C.Bounds and C.Williamson) will have a hole-by-hole play off starting on hole #1.

Awarding of the Eagle Cup will take place immediately following the conclusion of play.

Teams:
Sophomore Team- Freshman Team-
Clay Bounds (captain) Cory Williamson (captain)
Nick Hawkes Garrett Westbrook
John Cleveland Mark Drube
Tanner Sparks Chris Cochran
Matt Stephens Tyler Rainer

History:
Date Winner
Fall 2006: Sophomores
Spring 2007: Sophomores
Fall 2007: Sophomores
Spring 2008: Sophomores
Fall 2008: ???????

Updated Rush Showcase schedule

(MERIDIAN) – Meridian Community College head coach, Alex George, announced some changes to the 2008 MCC/Rush Soccer Showcase for this weekend.

The Showcase will kickoff Friday when Shelton State faces Gordon College at 1 PM in a women’s contest. The men’s teams from Hinds C.C. and Wallace State will follow at 3 PM.

The Lady Eagles then take the field against Tyler Junior College out of Texas at 5 PM. In the nightcap, MCC’s men face Gordon College at 7 PM.

Saturday action gets started at 11 AM when the women’s teams from Gordon College and Hinds C.C. play. Then at 1 PM the men’s teams from those same two schools face off.

Tyler Junior College and Itawamba C.C. will play at 3 PM in a women’s contest and in a MCC-less day, Wallace State versus Itawamba in men’s action will close out day two at 5 PM.

Sunday will conclude the Showcase with an all MCC day as the Lady Eagles face Itawamba C.C. at 1 PM and the Eagles face Itawamba at 3 PM.

All games will be played at C.D. Smith Field on the campus of MCC.

MCC splits a pair of soccer games vs Hinds

(RAYMOND, Miss.) - The Meridian Community College women's soccer team picked up a big win on the road Tuesday night with a 2-1 victory over Hinds Community College in Raymond.

MCC was led by freshmen Taylor George and Christina Murray who each scored a goal. Meridian had a 1-0 halftime lead.

The Lady Eagles remain undefeated (4-0) with the win and avenged an overtime loss to Hinds in last seasons Region 23 semifinal playoff game.

In men's action, MCC dropped their first contest of the year with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Hinds.

The game was scoreless at half.

The Eagles are now 1-1-1 on the year.

Both MCC squads will now prepare for the annual Rush Showcase this weekend at C.D. Smith Field.

Sophomores Take Early Lead in “Eagle Cup”

(MERIDIAN) - Perfect weather and clear skies greeted the players for the Fifth Semi-Annual “Eagle Cup” (a Ryder Cup format battle between the sophomores and freshman of the MCC golf team) on the opening day at Briarwood Country Club.

The “Sophomore” team, captained by Clay Bounds, faced off Tuesday afternoon against the “Freshman” team, captained by Cory Williamson, in a four ball match play format with each match being played for one point. A total of two points were up for grabs on Day One.

The first match of the day featured Clay Bounds and Matt Stephens versus Cory Williamson and Tyler Rainer.

Bounds/Stephens jumped out early, and eventually closed out the match on the back side to win 5 & 4, earning the sophomore team the first point of the Eagle Cup.

Match two featured highly acclaimed newcomers, Nick Hawkes and tanner Sparks versus the “Cajun Connection” of Mark Drube and Garrett Westbrook.

After going back and forth on the front nine, this match remained ALL SQUARE heading to the back side. Thanks to a clutch putts by Hawkes/Saprks, the “Accent Attack” and “Cajun Connection” headed into the final hole ALL SQUARE. A crafty up and down from Hawkes gave the “Sophomre” team their second point of the day as Hawkes/Sparks defeated Drube/Westbrook 1 UP.

Day Two of the three day event continues tomorrow with true alternate shot match play being held at Northwood CC. Play beings at 2 PM with the sophomores leading the freshman 2 -0 .

Results:

Day One
Four-Ball Match play
Match 1- Clay Bounds/Matt Stephens defeated Cory Williamson/Tyler Rainer 5&4
Match 2- Nick Hawkes/Tanner Sparks defeated Mark Drube/Garrett Westbrook 1 UP

Day Two“True” Alternate shot match play
Match 1- Clay Bounds/Nick Hawkes vs. Cory Williamson/Mark Drube
Match 2- Tanner Sparks/John Cleveland vs. Garrett Westbrook/Chris Cochran

Day Three
Singles match play
Match 1- TBA vs. TBA
Match 2- TBA vs. TBA
Match 3- TBA vs. TBA
Match 4- TBA vs. TBA
Match 5- TBA vs. TBA

Point Totals
(after Rd 1)

Sophomores 2
Freshmen 0

In case of a tie, the two team captains (C.Bounds and C.Williamson) will have a hole-by-hole play off starting on hole #1.

Awarding of the Eagle Cup will take place immediately following the conclusion of play.

Teams:
Sophomore Team- Freshman Team-
Clay Bounds (captain) Cory Williamson (captain)
Nick Hawkes Garrett Westbrook
John Cleveland Mark Drube
Tanner Sparks Chris Cochran
Matt Stephens Tyler Rainer

History:
Date Winner
Fall 2006: Sophomores
Spring 2007: Sophomores
Fall 2007: Sophomores
Spring 2008: Sophomores
Fall 2008: ???????

MCC Soccer travels to Hinds

The Meridian Community College soccer teams take a road trip this Tuesday, traveling to Raymond, Miss., to take on longtime rival, Hinds Community College.

The Lady Eagles will face Hinds at 5 p.m. while the Eagles will take on Hinds in a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Head coach Alex George’s Lady Eagles squad looks to avenge a loss to Hinds in last seasons Region 23 semifinal match. In a thrilling contest, Hinds defeated MCC in an overtime shootout.

This season, MCC’s women have been led by Mary Beth Webber and Christina Murray, both with three goals on the year.

In the men’s contest, MCC will also be playing with last year’s final game on their mind. In 2007, Hinds ended the Eagles run at the State title with a win in the semi-final game of the State Tournament.

MCC is led by sophomores Matt Clifton and Clifford Johnson.

NJCAA Golf is well represented in the 2008 Ryder Cup Matches

Although this week’s commentators on ESPN & NBC most likely will not recognize that a number of high profile golfers in this year’s Ryder Cup matches originated their college golf careers on the 2-year college golf level, the National Junior College Athletic Association is well represented. Whether a player spends two years at a 2-year college and transfers to 4-year Universities and stays for half the season or receives their bachelor’s degree, the television commentators usually forget to mention the success these professional golfers enjoyed at the two-year college level.

Representing the USA, Chad Campbell played golf for Midland College, an NJCAA Division-1 multi-year National Champion. However in his Ryder Cup bio, only his 4-year college, University of Nevada - Las Vegas is mentioned. If you look at the European side, Soren Hansen from Denmark doesn’t have anything noted for his college background. Soren was a student/athlete for Central Alabama Community College for two years and a member of the NJCAA Division-1 National Championship Team for CACC in 1996. However, good ole’ Boo Weekley does indeed note that Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, in Georgia was in his college background.

I don’t know if it is up to the player or the agent of the player to fill in the blanks of their biographies in these events and on their respective Tour websites. I do feel that it is a slap in the face of the 2-year colleges to be forgotten by these players after allowing them the opportunity to start their college golf careers and lay the groundwork to their present successes.

Another major factor in this year’s Ryder Cup is USA Captain, Paul Azinger. Paul graduated from Florida State University but before his final years at FSU, Paul learned how to really play competitive golf for Brevard Community College in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Whether it is because I now coach on the 2-year college level, whether I just enjoyed college golf more in junior college than on the University level, or it could be that I’m pulling hard for the forgotten institutions who need the recognition that they deserve, but I sure am frustrated with the lack of notoriety our junior college athletes and the athletic programs receive from the media.

Along with my complaining, I do applaud Boo Weekley, Bubba Watson, Tjaart van der Walt, and a very small group of PGA Tour players who include the 2-year college programs that gave them their start within their biographies.

There have been some huge people in the golf industry who have Captained USA Teams in the past, let’s see how this year’s Captain – Paul Azinger, who started in the 2-year college golf level fairs. We’ll watch to see how well Soren Hansen plays against our American squad. Let’s keenly enjoy pulling for Boo as he nonchalantly works his way around the course this week in Kentucky. Keep a close eye on Chad Campbell, as he is one of the most competitive players on the PGA Tour.

It will be a fun week to watch golf. I hope some of my notes and notices have made it to the ESPN & NBC commentators. Maybe they will note where some of these golfers got their start. We’ll just have to see.

Dave JenningsHead Golf Coach
Central Alabama Community College

MCC golf claims runner up at Mississippi College Inv.

(Jackson) - The Meridian Community College golf team shot a team score of 305 to claim runner up in the 2008 Mississippi College Fall Invitational on Tuesday at Patrick Farms Golf Club.

The Eagles were led by freshmen Chris Cochran and Tanner Sparks, who shot rounds of 1-over par 73. Cochran and Sparks tied for second, three strokes behind medalist Justin Lunceford of Mississippi College who posted a 2-under par 70. MCC sophomore Clay Bounds shot 4-over par 76, while former West Lauderdale golfers, Matthew Stephens and Tyler Rainer, shot 83 and 100, respectively.

Mississippi College won the event by 10 shots over MCC's B-team. The host Choctaws shot 295. MCC posted 305 for second, while East Mississippi CC claimed third with a 314. Six schools were in the event.

Meridian will return to action in the NJCAA National Championship Preview at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail on October 13-14 in Huntsville, AL.

MCC golf claims top five finish in Illinois‏

(MARION, IL) The Meridian Community College golf team finished tied for fifth at the prestigious John A Logan Invitational at renowned Kokopelli Golf Club in Marion, Illinois on Monday.

The Eagles posted the second lowest team score on the final day of competition with a 308.

The Eagles were led by freshman Garrett Westbrook with a 149 (75-74). Westbrook was named to his first career all tournament team.

Nick Hawkes posted rounds of 78-76, John Cleveland shot 80-81, Cory Williamson shot 84-76, and Mark Drube shot 84-81. Indian Hills College of Iowa won the event with 592 (292-300).

MS Gulf Coast claimed runners-up with 616 (304-312), Parkland College was third with 618 (307-311), Rend Lake College was fourth with 620 (307-313), and Meridian was fifth 624 (316-308). 17 college teams participated in the event.

Steven McGlyn won the individual medalist title with rounds of 69-73.

The MCC golf team has now placed fifth in each of their season opening events. The A Team will be in action in October at the NJCAA National Championship Preview at The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Huntsville, AL. Meanwhile the B Team plays Tuesday at the Mississippi College Invitational at Patrick Farms GC.

MCC golf in action at Illinois event

(Marion, IL) - Remnants of Hurricane Ike plagued the first round junior college golf action in the John A Logan Invitational at Kokopelli Golf Club in Marion, IL Sunday.

The Meridian Community College golf team was among 19 college teams participating in the prestigious event.

Rainfall and wind gust up to 35 mph made conditions extremely difficult for golfers on the 7,154 yard long, par 72 links-style layout designed by Steve Smyers.

MCC posted a team score of 316 to earn a 6th place standing heading into Mondays final round. Indian Hills College of Iowa leads the team race with a 287.

Individually MCC was led by Garrett Westbrook. The freshman from Baton Rouge shot a 2-over par round of 74. Nick Hawkes shot a 6-over 78, followed by John Cleveland with an 80, and Mark Drube and Cory Williamson with 84's. A score of 69 (-3) leads the individual standings.

Final round action begins Monday with a shotgun start at 9 AM.

MCC golf returns to action at renowned Kokopelli in Illinois

The Meridian Community College Eagle golf team returns to competition on Sunday, Sept. 14 in the John A. Logan Fall Invitational in Marion, IL. The 36-hole event will continue thru Monday at the renowned Kokopelli Golf Club, which plays to a par 72 at over 7,105 yards.

“What a treat it is for us to play Kokopelli,” said MCC head coach Sean Covich.

“It’s a great links-style course that is suited to host a US Open being over 7,000 yards long with big, rolling bent-grass greens. It will be a stern test for our Southern team that is accustomed to grainy Bermuda grass.”

The Eagles are coming off a fifth place finish at the MCC/Rush Fall Invitational last week.

Host-John A Logan College, Indian Hills College, Rend Lake College, Illinois Central College, and arch-rival Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College are in the field this week along with nine other teams. A total of 17 college teams are entered into this prestigious event.

The Eagles posted rounds of 304-312 last year at Kokopelli to tie for third in the 2007 John A Logan Invitational.

MCC’s Coach Covich will start all freshmen in the Eagles lineup for the first time in his coaching tenure. Cory Williamson, of Collins, will lead MCC in the No.1 spot. Baton Rouge, LA-native, Garrett Westbrook, will play in the No.2 spot as John Cleveland of Ridgeland, MS plays in the No.3 spot. Covington, LA-native, Mark Drube, will play in the No.4 spot as Essex, England-native, Nick Hawkes, will round out the Eagles lineup in the No.5 spot.

Tee times begin both days at 8:00 AM as nearly 90 college golfers compete in the event. First place and second place teams will be awarded along with individual medalist honors and five all tournament team awards.

www.kokopelligolf.com
(see link for Kokopelli Golf Club)

Lady Eagles set to host Shelton in rematch

(MERIDIAN) – The Meridian Community College Lady Eagles (5-0) will host Shelton State Community College on Saturday at C.D. Smith Field. Game time is set for 12:00 p.m.

This will be a rematch between two teams that met back on August 28 in Tuscaloosa, AL.

MCC freshman Christina Murray scored a goal with 2.7 seconds left in regulation to break a 3-3 tie as MCC went on to a 4-3 victory in that game.

Eagles place top-five at Fall Invitational

MERIDIAN - The Meridian Community College golf team closed out the MCC Rush Fall Invitational with a final round 302 to earn a top five finish. The season-opening tournament was hosted by Eagles and was played at Briarwood Country Club.

Freshman Cory Williamson picked up where he left off on day one, finishing with a final round two-over par 74 to place 12th. The Collins, MS native shot 76-74 in the first two rounds. Freshman Garrett Westbrook closed out the tournament with a two-over par 74 to finish in a tie for 13th-place. Freshman John Cleveland shot a four-over 76 to finish with 227 strokes and in 15th-place. Freshmen Mark Drube and Nick Hawkes posted top-20 showings. Drube shot 229 (76-73-80) to place 18th place while Hawkes shot 203 (77-75-78) to tie for 19th place. Sophomore Clay Bounds finished the event with back-to-back rounds of four-over par, 76 to shoot 237 and tie for 32nd. Freshmen Chris Cochran (80-76-83), Tanner Sparks (81-77-83), Matthews Stephens (91-85-88), and Tyler Rainer (94-97-97) closed out the scoring for MCC’s B-team.
Central Alabama’s Lewis Gruber and Barrett Milam finished in first-place with a three-under par 213 strokes. Milam won on the first playoff hole to solidify his win with rounds of 75-69-69.

Central Alabama (871) won the tournament; the Trojans shot rounds of 294-291-286. Darton (GA) College and Wallace State came in second place with 886 strokes, followed by University of Mobile with 901 strokes. Host school Meridian finished in fifth with 904 strokes.

William Carey University (920) earned a sixth place finish. Faulkner State (951) came in seventh, followed by MS Gulf Coast (951) and East Central (1002).
Meridian returns to action next week when they travel to Marion, Illinois for the John A. Logan Invitational, September 14-15 at renowned Kokopelli Golf Club.

MCC Scoring:
12th Cory Williamson 76-74-74 224 (+8)
t13th Garrett Westbrook 75-77-74 226 (+10)
15th John Cleveland 76-75-76 227 (+11)
18th Mark Drube 76-73-80 229 (+13)
t19th Nick Hawkes 77-75-78 203 (+14)
t32nd Clay Bounds 85-76-76 237 (+21)
t36th Chris Cochran 80-76-83 239 (+23)
t41st Tanner Sparks 81-77-83 241 (+25)
56th Matthew Stephens 91-85-88 264 (+48)
58th Tyler Rainer 94-97-97 288 (+72)

Teams:
1st Central Alabama 871 (294-291-286)
2nd Darton (GA) College 886 (301-292-293)
3rd Wallace State (AL) 886 (300-291-295)
4th Univ. of Mobile (AL) 901 (305-298-298)
5th Meridian C.C. (MS) 904 (304-298-302)
6th William Carey Univ (MS) 920 (305-311-304)
t7th Faulkner State (AL) 951 (316-322-313)
t7th MS Gulf Coast C.C. 951 (317-320-314)
9th East Central (MS) C.C. 1002 (342-328-332)

MCC in fourth at Rush Invitational

MERIDIAN- The Meridian Community College golf team shot a second round 298 to head into the final round of the MCC/Rush Fall Invitational in fourth place. The season-opening tournament is being hosted by the Eagles and is being played at Briarwood Country Club.

For the second straight round, freshman led the way for MCC as youngsters, Mark Drube and Cory Williamson both find themselves in the top 15. Drube fired a 76-73 on day one while Williamson shot 74-74. Freshmen Garrett Westbrook and Nick Hawkes are both tied for 18th with 152. Westbrook shot 75-77 while Hawkes shot 77-75. Sophomore Clay Bounds rebounded from an opening round 85 to shoot 76 on the final round of the day.

Other scores for MCC included John Cleveland 76-75, Chris Cochran 80-76, Tanner Sparks 81-77, Matthew Stephens 91-85, and Tyler Rainer 94-97.

Central Alabama’s Barrett Milam and Wallace State’s Brad Story are in first-place with even par 144 strokes. Milam shot 75-69 while Story shot 73-71.

Central Alabama (294-291) leads the team scoring with 585 strokes. Wallace State (300-291) is in second place with 591 strokes, followed by Darton College (301-292) with 593 strokes. Host school Meridian (301-298) is in fourth with 602 strokes.

University of Mobile (305-298; 603) is in fifth, William Carey University (305-311; 616) is in sixth, followed by MS Gulf Coast (317-320; 637), Faulkner State (316-322; 638), and East Central (342-328; 670).

“This has turned out to be a wonderful event because of the generosity of Briarwood Country Club, its members and their hardworking staff,” said MCC coach, Sean Covich.

“Considering all the rain the last few weeks, the course is in great shape thanks to Chad Casey and his greens crew. Plus the competition is amazing this year with Central Alabama, Darton and others who are former national champions.”

Meridian closes out the tournament tomorrow. Play begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.

MCC Golf to host annual Fall Invitational at Briarwood CC

(MERIDIAN) – The Meridian Community College Eagle golf team begins their 2008-09 season right at home on Monday-Tuesday, Sept. 8-9 in the MCC/Rush Fall Invitational. The two day, 54-hole event is being hosted by MCC and will take place at Briarwood Country Club.

The Eagles are entering into Division I play in the NJCAA for the first time in the programs history.

“This is probably the strongest field ever for a MCC hosted event. Central Alabama is a five-time NJCAA Div I National Champion, Darton College of Georgia is the three-time defending NJCAA Div II National Champion, Faulkner State has won the NJCAA National Championship in the past and is home of PGA Tour star Bubba Watson, then add in four-year universities like the University of Mobile, Belhaven College and William Carey University, it will make for an outstanding tournament field,” said MCC head coach Sean Covich.

East Central Community College and arch-rival Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College will also be in the field this week at Briarwood.

This week’s tournament will be MCC’s only home event in the fall. Meridian will participate in seven fall events in 2008 including stops at Dancing Rabbit, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail-Huntsville and renowned Kokopelli Golf Club in Marion, IL.

The format for this week’s event will feature five players competing and counting the lowest four scores turned in after each round. Sophomore team captain, a former Lamar School standout, Clay Bounds will lead the way on MCC’s “Green” team. He is joined by freshmen Mark Drube, Nick Hawkes, Garrett Westbrook, and Cory Williamson.

Local players-Tyler Rainer and Matthew Stephens of West Lauderdale will headline the MCC “White” team along with newcomers- John Cleveland, Chris Cochran and Tanner Sparks.

Play will begin both days at 8:00 AM with a shotgun start. First place and second place teams will be awarded along with individual medalist honors and five all tournament team awards.

MCC golf set to host Fall Invite

The Meridian Community College golf team will host their annual MCC/Rush Fall Invitational at Briarwood Country Club on Monday and Tuesday, Sept 8-9.

“This is probably the strongest field ever for a MCC hosted event. Central Alabama is a five-time NJCAA Div I National Champion, plus their coach (Dave Jennings) is President of the NJCAA Coaches Association and a Golf Coaches Assoc of America Board Member, Darton College of Georgia is the three-time defending NJCAA Div II National Champion, Faulkner State has won the NJCAA National Championship in the past and is home of PGA Tour star Bubba Watson, then add in four-year universities like the University of Mobile, Belhaven College and William Carey University, it will make for an outstanding tournament field,” said MCC coach Sean Covich.

Eagles tie Andrew College

The Meridian Community College men’s soccer team played host to Andrew College of Georgia Tuesday night at C.D. Smith Field.

On a rainy and muggy night, Andrew College got on the scoreboard first with a goal from Armani Williams with 22:36 left in the first half.

MCC's Clifford Johnson answered for the Eagles with a goal at the 24:30 mark in the second half.

A hard fought, physical and sometimes heated contest for both teams ended in a 1-1 tie.

Meridian (1-0-2) will play again on Sept. 15 at Southwest Mississippi.

Meanwhile the Lady Eagles (3-0) will be in action Sept. 13 when they host Shelton State at C.D. Smith Field.

MCC Lady Eagles soccer wins thriller

(Tuscaloosa, AL) - Lady Eagles freshman Christina Murray scored a goal with 2.7 seconds left in regulation to break a 3-3 tie between Shelton State and Meridian Community College Thursday afternoon as MCC picked up their second win in as many games to start the season 2-0.

Ironically, Shelton State led virtually the entire game. At half, the Lady Eagles were down 2-1, with the lone first half goal coming from Murray. Shelton State extended their lead 3-1 in the second half but then MCC turned the tide scoring 3 straight goals to come from behind to win 4-3.
In addition to Murray's two scores, Mary Beth Weber and Taylor George each scored a goal for MCC.

The Lady Eagles (2-0) were slated to host Andrew College Tuesday afternoon at CD Smith Field on the MCC campus however, Andrew forfieted that contest to make MCC (3-0) on the season.

Eagles tie Concordia, change Andrew College game time

Meridian Community College men’s soccer team went on the road Saturday to face Concordia College in Selma, AL.

James Taylor of MCC scored on a penalty kick to give the Eagles their only score as MCC and Concordia played to a 1-1 tie.

The Eagles (1-0-1) will host Andrew College Tuesday at C.D. Smith Field. Tuesday’s soccer action will feature the men’s game only. Andrew College women’s team forfeited their contest with MCC. The game has been moved up from a 7:00 p.m. start to now a 6:00 p.m. official game time start for the men’s game.

Former MCC pitcher, Cliff Lee, earns MLB best 20th Win

By: Associated Press / September 2, 2008

Lee threw his second career shutout to become the Indians' first 20-game winner since Gaylord Perry accomplished the feat in 1974

Exactly one year after being brought back from the minor leagues, Cliff Lee had something major to celebrate: He's Cleveland's first 20-game winner in 34 years.
"Has a nice ring to it," Lee said. "I like the sound of that."

Lee, who was sent back to Triple A last season to work on his mechanics and his mental approach, pitched a five-hitter for his second career shutout and led the Indians to a 5-0 win over the Chicago White Sox last night in Cleveland.

Lee (20-2) is the first Indian to reach 20 wins since Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry went 21-13 in 1974. The lefthander's milestone win was his ninth straight victory.
"I never lost confidence," Lee said. "I never got down on myself or questioned my abilities. I never once doubted what I could do."

With a chance to also join Hall of Famers Bob Feller and Bob Lemon as Cleveland's 20-game winners, Lee shut down the hard-hitting, Central-leading White Sox. He gave up two singles to open the first before retiring 21 straight and finishing his fourth complete game.

"That's the best I've seen him throw against us in some time," said Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen, whose club dropped into a tie for first in the Central with Minnesota. "He's a 20-game winner for a reason."

After he got Carlos Quentin to ground into a game-ending double play, Lee punched his fist into his glove and hugged catcher Kelly Shoppach.
He went 5-0 in April and was 12-2 when he took the mound as the AL's starter at the All-Star Game in Yankee Stadium. He went 5-0 with a 1.86 ERA in August. He leads the majors in wins and ERA.

The Indians' three-decades-plus drought without a 20-game winner was the longest among non-expansion teams. Tampa Bay, Colorado, and Florida have never had a pitcher get to 20 wins, and it's been 30 years since the Montreal/Washington franchise and San Diego had a 20-game winner.

Lee played for MCC in 1998-99. After his career was over with at MCC, Lee played SEC baseball for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Lee was inducted into the MACJC Sports Hall of Fame, along with fellow MCC-ers Lou Hart and Ronald Murray in 2007.