Fire Golf Team Ranked No. 4 in Latest Golfstat Poll
(10-03-08)

LAKELAND--The Southeastern men's golf team has already been impressing many NAIA coaches and schools this season, and the team's "notoriety" is spreading even further after Golfstat released its top 10 rankings on Monday.

The Fire found itself ranked No. 4 in the country, a ranking resulting from its NAIA-best 8-0 record versus NAIA top-25 teams.

"This is a great step for our program," said Head Coach Evan Gibson. "We believe we recruited some of the best young players in the state of Florida, and we also believe we play against some of the strongest NAIA schools in the country."

SEU has one victory on the young season, winning the 2008 Fire Classic by 19 shots over Savannah College of Art and Design.

The Fire had a third place finish in the 15th Annual Webber Intercollegiate, missing out on a team playoff by just one shot.

Southeastern has a 19-2 record this season with a 291 scoring average.

Senior Matt Parziale (Brockton, Mass.) leads the Fire this season with a 71.0 scoring average. He has two top-five finishes on the season.

Freshmen Drew Mathews (Winter Haven, Fla.) and Matthew Madsen (Del Ray Beach, Fla.) are adjusting to college golf very nicely.

Mathews is second on the team with a 72.8 scoring average, while Madsen is third on the team at 73.8.

Sophomore Nate Mosby (Jacksonville, Fla.) is fourth on the team with a 75.2 scoring average, followed by another sophomore, Chris Burke (Jacksonville, Fla.), who is at 77.6.

But the scoring does not stop there for the Fire. The difference this season for the Fire is outstanding depth. Two other freshmen, Trey Echols (Jacksonville, Fla.) and Kevin Pladna (Ocala, Fla.), come in with scoring averages of 77.6 and 77.8 respectively.

"I couldn't be more pleased with their development," said Gibson, referring to his young players. "But rankings don't mean anything; we have to keep improving and keep working hard."

Southeastern will travel to Rome, Georgia, this weekend for the Chick-fil-A Collegiate Invitational, hosted by Berry College. After that, the Fire will compete in the 2008 NCCAA National Tournament in Panama City, October 13-14.

Southeastern won the NCCAA National Tournament last season, shooting a two day total of 597.

Fire Takes Third Place in the Annual Webber International Tournament
(09-25-08)

LAKE WALES--The Southeastern University men's golf team tried to win its second straight golf tournament to start the 2008 season but came up two strokes shy of winning the Annual Webber International Tournament at Lake Wales Country Club on Tuesday.

The Fire was tied for first place with Brevard Community College and Webber International University, entering the final round Tuesday.

SEU shot two rounds of 292 on Monday, led by sophomore Nate Mosby who shot 72-73 the first two rounds.

Freshman Drew Mathews was leading the tournament after the first round as he shot a season-low 68.

Senior Matt Parziale shot the low round of the day for the third round, firing a 69 to take third place overall for the tournament. Parziale finished the tournament with a total of 215.

It is Parziale's second straight tournament finishing in the top three overall.

Southeastern shot a final round of 296, missing a championship playoff by one shot as Brevard and Webber International went to a sudden-death playoff to determine the winner.

Brevard won the tournament overall, winning on the first sudden-death hole.

Webber International's Craig Isabel won the overall tournament in sudden-death, shooting 214 total for the tournament.

Mathews shot a final round of 73 and tied for seventh place overall. Mathews has finished in the top 10 in consecutive tournaments.

Madsen tied for 30th place overall; Mosby tied for 36th place.

Freshman Trey Echols tied for 47th place, shooting a 231 overall but firing a season-low 75 in the second round.

Another freshman, Kevin Pladna, tied for 57th place, shooting two straight rounds of 77 on Monday and ending the tournament with a final round 80 on Tuesday.

Chris Burke shot a 236. Cris Simanca shot a 238, and freshman Evan McIntosh ended the tournament with a 258.

Southeastern will next travel to Rome, Georgia, October 6-7 for the 2008 Chick-fil-A Invitational, hosted by Berry College.

Fire Dominates 2008 Fire Classic
(09-08-08)

LAKELAND--The Southeastern men's golf team started off its 2008 season with a bang, winning its season-opening tournament by 19 shots over second place Savannah College of Art & Design, Monday, at The Golf Club at Bridgewater.

It was the second year Southeastern hosted an event at The Golf Club at Bridgewater, its home course.

"It definitely helps to kick off your season playing on your home course," said Fire golf Head Coach Evan Gibson.
SEU fired a first round 295 and came back with a tournament low 281 in the second round to finish the day with a two round total of 595.

Three Southeastern players were named to the all-tournament team.

Senior Matt Parziale, who won the tournament last season, shot a second round 67 on the par-70 course and finished in second place overall. Parziale finished the tournament at 140, one stroke behind tournament champion Berry College's Sam Del Val, who shot 139.

"Matt had a chance to tie Sam on his 36th hole; he lipped out a birdie putt from about 25 feet," added Gibson. "It would have been nice to see another playoff like last year."

Parziale won last year's championship in a sudden-death playoff over Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Don Sciotto.

Freshmen Matthew Madsen and Drew Mathews both had top-five finishes for the Fire. Madsen shot two rounds of 72 to finish at 144, and Mathews shot a second round 71 and finished the tournament at 175.

Defending champion Webber International University came in fourth place with a 605 behind Brevard Community College's 604 and Berry College's 598.

Sophomore Nate Mosby shot a second round 71 and finished with a 149 while another sophomore, Chris Burke, shot two scores of 76 to finish the tournament at 152.

Up next for the Fire: Webber International University's fall invitational tournament at the Lake Wales Country Club, September 22-23.

Parziale Puts Up Historic Fight At Mass. Amateur Championship
(07-25-08)

After over 290 holes of golf, Southeastern Senior Matt Parziale narrowly missed winning the Massachusetts Amateur Championship, falling to John Hadges on the last hole. Read the story from the Massachusetts Golf Association, link below.

Mathews Qualifies For Florida Amateur Match Play Championship

ORLANDO--Incoming Southeastern freshman Drew Mathews continues to show why he is one of the best amateur golfers in the state of Florida, as he fired a 67 in the Florida Amateur Match Play Championship qualifier at Orlando's Hunter Creek Golf Club.

Mathews becomes the first-ever Southeastern golfer to qualify for the Florida Amateur Match Play Championship.

"I am very excited about qualifying," said Mathews. "I was very focused on doing what I had to do to qualify."

In a field of over 70 golfers, only 13 players qualified to play in the championship. Mathews' 67 was the lowest round of the day.

"I played pretty solid and was bogey-free with five birdies," added Mathews. "I didn't do anything particularly well; I just plugged along and took the birdies when I could get them."

Mathews now advances to the Florida Amateur Match Play Championship, August 7-10, at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida.

"A win would definitely be nice, and it would probably be my biggest win so far, but I am not treating [this tournament] any different than any other tournament," said Mathews. "I have had some pretty good success with match play in the past, and I know how fun it is, and I can't wait."

Mathews will report to Southeastern University on August 16 for freshman orientation. His first tournament with the Fire will be the 2008 Fire Classic, hosted by Southeastern, September 8-9, at the Golf Club at Bridgewater.

Mathews Qualifies For State Amateur Tournament
(06-06-08)

LAKELAND--New Southeastern golf recruit Drew Mathews fired a 68 on his new home golf course, the Golf Club at Bridgewater, in the Florida State Amateur qualifier Thursday.

Mathews tied for the lowest round of the qualifier and will now compete in one of Florida's most notable tournaments, the Florida State Amateur Championship, later this month.

"I'd probably rate how I played a six out of 10 because I didn't hit the ball very well at all, but I played smart and putted fairly decently," said Mathews of his performance. "I made the putts I needed to make for birdie and to save par on a couple of holes."

Mathews, who signed with the Fire in May, continues to improve his resume before he even steps onto the course for Southeastern. He recently fired a 68 in the U.S. Open qualifier at Orlando's Metrowest back in early May, and he also shot a 67 at Bridgewater to win his high school's county and regional tournaments in the fall of 2007.
All of this success bodes well for Mathews, especially since the Golf Club at Bridgewater, where Mathews has done so well, is Southeastern's home course in Lakeland.

"It will definitely be interesting to have Bridgewater as my home course," added Mathews. "It is definitely not the easiest course to play, and I definitely wouldn't say it is my favorite, but if you play well, you can still score well."
Southeastern will host its annual Fire Classic, September 8-9, at Bridgewater, a competition which will be Mathews' first ever playing for Southeastern University.

In the meantime, Mathews will compete in the Florida State Amateur Championship, June 19-22, in Tequesta at the historic Jupiter Hills Club. Mathews recently tried to qualify for the U.S. Open at Jupiter Hills on June 2.

"It is definitely nice to have qualified for the state am(ateur), but it is even nicer to be able to get back down to Jupiter Hills and be able to play that golf course again," Mathews said. "Hopefully I will be able to play a little better than how I played at the (U.S. Open) sectionals and contend for the championship."

Fire Signs Six Players, Polk County Player of the Year
(05-16-08)

LAKELAND--With all the recent success the Southeastern University golf program has had, the future looks even brighter as Head Coach Evan Gibson hosted a signing day luncheon in the Southeastern University Center Court Cafe, Friday, announcing six new players for the 2008-2009 season.

The class starts with Polk County Player of the Year Drew Mathews of Winter Haven, Florida.

"Drew is the best player I have ever signed here at Southeastern," said Gibson after the luncheon.

Mathews recently shot a 68 in a U.S. Open qualifier at Orlando's MetroWest golf club to qualify for the U.S. Open sectional qualifier, June 2, in Tequesta, Florida.

"The 68 Drew shot at MetroWest tells you the type of player we are getting," added Gibson. "And we are really excited that he is a local kid and that he will be playing for us."

Three other players attended the signing: Trey Echols (Jacksonville, Fla.), Chad Morley (Hillcrest, South Africa), and Evan McIntosh (Orlando, Fla.). Kevin Pladna (Ocala, Fla.) and Matthew Madsen (Del Ray Beach, Fla.) were unable to attend the signing, but round out the Fire recruiting class, a class Gibson says is his "best recruiting class by far."

Echols comes from Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville. Two current Fire players also hail from TCA, Nate Mosby and Bobby Bowers.

Echols won the 2007 Reinhold Clay County Junior Classic last summer and had a 37.7 scoring average his senior season.

"Trey is going to help us," stated Gibson. "He continues to improve every day, and I believe he will be a solid four-year player for us."

Morley played his high school golf at Bradenton Christian High School and won the 2006-2007 Bay Conference Championship.

For the past six months, Morley has been traveling and playing golf in Australia and in his home country of South Africa.

"Chad has a lot of upside; he's coming off of injury, but when he is playing consistently, he is as good as anyone," added Gibson.

Morley has trained at the David Leadbetter golf academy the past three years.

McIntosh comes from one of the most successful high school golf programs in the state of Florida, Circle Christian High School.

"Evan was coached by one of the best coaches around, Scott Richardson," said Gibson. "He is still young, and I expect good things down the road from Evan."

Graeme Nelson, who graduated from SEU this past April, played at Circle Christian as well and was a centerpiece for the Fire golf team the past four years.

"I know Scott at Circle Christian sent us Graeme, and he developed into a great player, so I'm expecting the same from Evan," added Gibson.

The Fire will jump into the NAIA next year and expects to be a part of the Florida Sun Conference in 2009-2010. Athletic scholarships will begin in 2009-2010, as well, and Gibson believes this recruiting class sets up the program for success on the next level.

"We have added talent, depth, and prestige to our program just by signing these six players. Don't forget we are returning two-time All-American Matt Parziale and four other players from last year's team that won the school's first NCCAA D-I national championship in Panama City."

Success has not been a problem for a Fire golf program that ended the 2007 fall semester by winning the Lake Wales Fall Classic by 15 shots over all Florida Sun Conference teams.

"We have been playing NAIA opponents, and we understand what it takes to compete on that next level. I have great respect for all the coaches and teams in the Florida Sun Conference, and we measure our program based on how we compete with these teams," stated Gibson.

Southeastern will open its season by hosting the 2008 Fire Classic at its home course, The Golf Club at Bridgewater, September 8-9, in Lakeland.

2008 Fall Schedule

Sept. 8-9: 2008 Fire Classic, Lakeland, Florida--At Golf Club at Bridgewater
Sept. 22-23: Lake Wales Fall Classic, Lake Wales, Florida--Lake Wales Country Club
Oct. 6-7: Chick-fil-A Invitational, Rome, Georgia--Coosa Country Club
Oct. 13-14: NCCAA National Tournament, Panama City, Florida--The Hombre
Oct. 27-28: SCAD Fall Invitational, Savannah, Georgia--Wilmington Island Club

Fire Grabs Top-10 Finish In Rome News-Tribune Invitational
(03-12-08)

ROME, Ga.--The Southeastern men's golf team shot a two-day total of 601 to finish in 10th place in the 2008 Rome News-Tribune Invitational at Stonebridge Golf Club, hosted by Berry College.

Junior Matt Parziale finished in sixth place overall, firing a one-under-par 143.

Parziale and senior Graeme Nelson both shot 69 in round one and were tied for the tournament's lead along with Lindenwood University's Brock Robillard.

Freshman Nate Mosby would shoot a 69 in round two and finish the tournament at 146 overall, finishing tied for 12th place.

Parziale came back in round two and totaled a 74 overall, which gave him his fifth top-five finish on the season.

Nelson shot a second round 79 and tied for 18th place overall.

Up next for the Fire: the 19th annual Eagle Invitational hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, March 15-16, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Fire Sets Numerous School Records In Lake Wales Country Club Fall Classic
(10-22-07)

LAKE WALES--The Southeastern University men's golf team has been breaking records as quickly as it has been setting them.

And this past weekend in the 2007 Lake Wales Country Club Fall Classic, the Fire set a school record by shooting a two-day total of 569; the Fire won the NAIA event by 15 shots over Warner Southern College at the Lake Wales Country Club on Saturday and Sunday.

In round one, SEU set a school record by shooting the program's first round under par when SEU fired a one-under-par 279 as a team.

The Fire also shattered the previous school record of 591 for a two-round total with its 569 on Sunday.

"It was a pretty special feeling," said Head Coach Evan Gibson. "I mean, we are playing with some of the best NAIA schools in the country right now, and we are not just holding our own, we are winning tournaments."

SEU was leading the tournament by 17 shots over second place Warner Southern College after round one, and the Fire followed up with a 290 in round two for the lowest scoring round on day two as well.

Freshman Sean Metcalf won the tournament overall by shooting a two-under-par 139, which included a first round of two-under-par 68.

It is Metcalf's second victory this season, for he won the Warner Christian tournament back on September 14.

Senior Graeme Nelson earned a top five-finish by shooting a second round 72, following up his first-round one-over-par 71. Nelson finished the tournament at 143.

Another Fire freshman, Nate Mosby, tied Nelson at 143. Mosby shot even-par 70 in round one and a two-over-par 73 in round two for his second top-five finish of the season.

Matt Parziale shot a first-round even-par 70 and followed up with a 79 in round two to finish the tournament at 149 for another top-20 finish overall.

Ryan Carriss came up big in round two with a 74 and finished the tournament tied for 37th place at 154.

Fire Takes Fifth Place Overall In Chick-fil-A Tournament
(10-17-07)

ROME, Ga.--The Southeastern men's golf team continues to impress on all levels as the Fire took fifth place overall in the 2007 Chick-fil-A Collegiate Tournament hosted by Berry College at Coosa Country Club this week.

On Tuesday, the Fire shot a final round 295 behind Nate Mosby's even par 72 and Graeme Nelson's one-over-par 73.

The Fire shot a first round total of 300 and finished the tournament at 595 just two shots behind the University of Mobile, which took fourth place overall.

Oklahoma Christian University shot a first round 276, and followed that up with a second round 283 to win the tournament with an overall score of 559.

Berry College shot a second round 285 and took second place with a 586. Campbellsville University shot a second round 290 and finished in third place at 592.

Matt Parziale was SEU's top finisher as he tied for 16th place overall with a 147 overall; he shot a first round 73 and a second round 74.

Graeme Nelson got a top-25 finish as he tied for 23rd place overall, shooting a 149 overall for the tournament. Mosby's even par final round gave him a tie for 32nd place at 150 with teammate Sean Metcalf.

Metcalf fired a first round 73 and finished with a 77 in the second round.

Ryan Carriss shot a second round 76 and finished the tournament at 156.

Southeastern will play this weekend in the Lake Wales Country Club Fall Classic hosted by Webber International University.

Fire Tied For Fifth Place In Chick-fil-A Invitational
(10-15-07)

ROME, Ga.--On Monday, the Southeastern University men's golf team was tied for fifth place in the 2007 Chick-fil-A Collegiate Invitational, hosted by Berry College at Coosa Country Club.

Matt Parziale and Sean Metcalf both shot 73 for the Fire as SEU shot a 300; SEU is tied with Savannah College of Art & Design and Lindenwood University.

Oklahoma Christian University shot a 276 to lead the tournament overall, followed by William Woods University at 295, Thomas University at 296, and University of Mobile at 298.

Senior Graeme Nelson fired a 76 while freshman Nate Mosby posted a 78.

Senior Ryan Carriss rounded out SEU's scoring with an 80.

The final round of the tournament will be held on Tuesday morning at Coosa Country Club.

Fire Makes History, Wins School's First D-I Title
(10-10-07)

PANAMA CITY--The Southeastern University men's golf team was just one good round away from making history on Tuesday afternoon in the NCCAA National Championship at the Hombre Golf Club.

Could the Fire become the first NCCAA D-II school in NCCAA history to win a NCCAA D-I title?

Heading into Tuesday's final round of the NCCAA National Championship, the Fire had a three-shot lead over NCAA II North Greenville University and believed it could make history.

"We had been talking all week like we were going to win this thing," said Head Coach Evan Gibson. "We feel we play against the best NAIA teams in the South all the time, and we were well prepared for this national tournament."

And the Fire did make history in the final round of the national tournament. SEU shot a 299 and finished at 597 for the national tournament. The Fire won the school's first NCCAA D-I National Championship, beating the field by nine shots overall.

Junior Matt Parziale followed up his one-under-par 70 on Monday with a one-under-par 71 on Tuesday to win the overall medalist award for the national tournament with a 141 overall.

"Matt carried us on his back," added Gibson. "I have never seen him so locked in; he was just awesome."

It was Parziale's second straight tournament win, as he won the 2007 Fire Classic a week ago in a playoff at The Golf Course at Bridgewater in Lakeland.

Freshman Sean Metcalf got a top-10 finish for the tournament as he shot a final round 73.

Metcalf finished the tournament at 149 overall and became the first freshman in Southeastern golf history to be named an All-American.

Senior Graeme Nelson shot two rounds of 76 to finish at 152 overall and tied for 14th place overall.

Freshman Nate Mosby finished the tournament at 155 for a top-30 finish while senior Ryan Carriss shot a 166 overall.

Coach Gibson was named the 2007 NCCAA National Coach of the Year as the Southeastern golf team became the first NCCAA D-II school to win a NCCAA D-I National Championship in NCCAA history.

"This didn't surprise me," added Gibson. "We have a great coaching staff; we have great players, and we have a great administration supporting us all the way. That combination can lead to success."

Fire Leads After Round One, Parziale Leads Overall in National Golf Championship
(10-08-07)

PANAMA CITY--The Southeastern University men's golf team leads the NCCAA National Golf Championship after round one. The Fire shot a first round 298 to lead by three strokes over North Greenville University at the Hombre Golf Club, on Monday afternoon.

The Fire is looking to win its first NCCAA D-I National Golf Championship in school history and to make even more history by winning its fifth NCCAA D-II National Golf Championship in a row.

Junior Matt Parziale, fresh off winning the 2007 Fire Classic last week, leads the tournament overall after shooting a one-under-par 71.

Parziale tied for third place in last year's national tournament at the River Greens Golf Course in West Lafayette, Ohio.

On Monday, SEU got respectable rounds from Graeme Nelson, Nate Mosby, and Sean Metcalf, as all three players shot 76 for the Fire, which leads the NCCAA National Golf Championship after round one for the second time in the past three years.

Back in 2005, the Fire shot a first round 296 and eventually finished tied for second place overall for the NCCAA D-I National Golf Championship.

The NCCAA National Golf Championship allows both D-I and D-II schools to compete together for both national championships. Southeastern has won the NCCAA II National Golf Championship the past four years and is looking to win its first D-I National Golf Championship this year.

"We really didn't play really well today," said Head Coach Evan Gibson. "We left plenty of shots out there, and hopefully we can play a little better tomorrow and see what happens."

The final round of the NCCAA National Golf Championship will be on Tuesday morning.

Ten teams are within 11 shots of SEU for the D-I title. Following North Greenville University is Olivet Nazarene University at 302, Spring Arbor University at 303, and Southern Wesleyan at 305.

Parziale Wins 2007 Fire Classic
(10-02-07)

LAKELAND--Southeastern University junior Matt Parziale won the 2007 Southeastern University Fire Classic, Tuesday afternoon, in a playoff with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Don Sciotto at The Golf Club at Bridgewater.

Parziale shot a one-under-par 71 in the final round to force the playoff.

The playoff started on No. 10, a 495-yard par five, and Parziale lipped out a birdie putt and tapped in for par to win his first tournament of the 2007-2008 season.

Parziale is the defending South Region Player of the Year and a 2006 NCCAA All-American who just seems to be getting better and better over time.

"He was pretty calm and cool in the playoff," said Fire Head Coach Evan Gibson. "You could tell he had been there before and knew what it took to win in a playoff."

Southeastern took second place overall with a two-day total of 595.

SEU led after the first round, but Webber International shot a final round 290 to win the tournament with an overall score of 589.

Webber International University's Craig Isabel shot a 69 while Matt Bransby shot 70 to help Webber International come from behind to win the first-year tournament.

"It was a great tournament," said Gibson. "We would have liked to have won it as a team, but Matt won the tournament overall; and that was pretty special."

SEU's Nate Mosby, who was tied for second place after round one, shot a 77 on Tuesday and finished the tournament at 148 overall.

Graeme Nelson shot a final round 73 and finished at 152 while Sean Metcalf and senior Ryan Carriss shot 77 and 78, respectively.

Parziale, Isabel, Bransby, and Sciotto were all named to the all-tournament team while Webber International's Charles-Henri Raindre and Savannah College of Art & Design's Tom Hayes also were named to the all-tournament team.

Southeastern will travel to Panama City this weekend to compete in the 2007 NCCAA National Tournament.

SEU has won the NCCAA II National Tournament the past four years.

Fire Leads Fire Classic After Round One
(10-01-07)

LAKELAND--The Southeastern University men's golf team fired a first-round 297 in gusty conditions, Monday afternoon, to take sole position of first place in the first annual Southeastern University Fire Classic hosted by The Golf Club at Bridgewater.

SEU was led by freshman Nate Mosby, who shot one of only three rounds under par for the day; he shot a one-under 71.

Mosby is tied for second place with Savannah College of Art & Design's Tom Hayes, who also shot a 71.

Webber International's Charles-Henri Raindre shot the low round of the day with a two-under par 70.

Webber International University is in second place overall as its team fired a 299 and will play with Southeastern on Tuesday in the final round of the tournament.

Coming in third place was SCAD with a 308, followed by Embry-Riddle's 309.

SEU's Matt Parziale is in fourth place overall after he shot a one-over 73. Sean Metcalf shot a 76 while Ryan Carriss and Graeme Nelson shot 77 and 79, respectively for the Fire.

The 2007 Southeastern University Fire Classic is the first-ever golf tournament hosted by Southeastern University, and SEU Head Coach Evan Gibson is happy with the field.

"We have two pre-season top-25 teams from the NAIA in this year's field along with some other great schools that are making this tournament pretty special in its first year," said Gibson.

According to Golf World magazine, SCAD is pre-season-ranked 21st in the country while Embry-Riddle is ranked 24th.

"Even with the great field, this tournament wouldn't be possible without strong support from the guys here at Bridgewater, added Gibson. This golf course is incredible, and that is your best promoter when you are running a golf tournament."

Southeastern will look to capture the tournament on Tuesday morning. Southeastern's first tee time starts at 9:26 a.m.

Fire Gets Top-Five Finish in 14th Annual Grenelefe Invite
(09-26-07)

HAINES CITY--The Southeastern University men's golf team had another strong showing Sunday and Monday by finishing tied for fourth place overall in the 14th Annual Grenelefe Invitational, hosted by Webber International University at Grenelefe Golf & Tennis Resort.

SEU shot a first round 298 behind senior Ryan Carriss' even par 72, which put the Fire in a tie for third place. Matt Parziale shot a first round of 74 followed by Graeme Nelson's 75.

In round two, SEU shot 304 behind another 74 from Parziale, and Nate Mosby fired a 76 to help put SEU in fourth place after two rounds.

In round three, scores soared high all across the golf course as Brevard Community College and University of South Carolina Beaufort both recorded the lowest rounds of the day with 298.

SEU shot a season-high 308 as Sean Metcalf's 75 led the Fire in round three.

Webber International won the tournament with an overall score of 893 followed by BCC at 899, Shorter College at 905 and Southeastern University at 910; Southeastern tied the University of South Carolina Beaufort.

Parziale earned his first top-10 finish of the season, shooting a 224 for three rounds. Ryan Carriss finished in 17th place at 227, followed by Sean Metcalf at 230 and Graeme Nelson at 231.

Southeastern will host the 2007 Southeastern Fire Classic, October 1-2, at The Golf Club at Bridgewater in Lakeland; it will mark the first-ever golf tournament hosted by the Fire.

Fire, Metcalf Win Warner Christian Invitational
(09-18-07)

LAKE WALES--The Southeastern University golf team, behind freshman Sean Metcalf, won the Warner Christian Invitational this past Friday at Oakwood Golf Club.

The Fire shot a team total of 296, giving SEU a team average of 298 for just three events in the 2007 season.

Metcalf shot a one-under-par 70 to lead the Fire for the second straight tournament.

SEU's Matt Parziale shot a 74 along with Fire newcomer Nate Mosby.

Seniors Ryan Carriss and Graeme Nelson shot 78 and 79, respectively.

Metcalf, a graduate from Celebration High School, has impressed the Southeastern coaching staff early on in this 2007 season.

"The kid can really play," said Head Coach Evan Gibson. "You can see he is not intimidated by college golf at all, and he is benefiting from playing with our top players. They are pushing him, making him even better."

In his first three competitive rounds for the Fire, Metcalf has shot scores of 71, 75, and 70 to lead the Fire in scoring average.

Southeastern will next play in the 14th Annual WIU-Grenelefe Invitational, October 22-23, at the Grenelefe Golf & Tennis Resort in Haines City, Florida.

Fire Opens Up 2007 Golf Season
(09-12-07)

SAVANNAH, Ga.--The Southeastern men's golf team opened up its 2007 fall season by tying for sixth place in the Wilmington Island Club Intercollegiate tournament hosted by Savannah College of Art and Design this past Monday and Tuesday.

SEU fired a first round 294, which put it in second place behind Berry College's 284.

Freshman Sean Metcalf shot a tournament low for SEU with an even par 71.

Matt Parziale shot 72 in round one while Graeme Nelson came in with a 73.

In round two, the Fire struggled to keep the ball in the fairway, and it showed with its score of 304.

"I have mixed emotions after our first tournament," said Head Coach Evan Gibson. "We didn't play real well, and we still were in contention, which makes me happy; but we have to get better on the tee boxes."

Metcalf and Parziale both shot 75, followed by Ryan Carriss' 76.

SEU tied with Shorter College for sixth place overall.

Metcalf tied for eighth place overall with a tournament total of 146 in his first tournament for the Fire.

Parziale finished a shot back at 147 and tied for 12th place overall while Nelson had a top-30 finish, ending the tournament at 151.

Carriss finished the tournament at 157 along with first-year player Nate Mosby, who shot 78 and 79 for his two rounds.

SEU will next play in the 2007 Grenelefe fall invitational, September 23-24, in Haines City, Florida.

The (Brockton, Mass.) Enterprise: Southeastern golfer wins Massachusetts tournament
(06-08-07)

BROCKTON. Mass.-- It was only a matter of time.

For the past two years, Matt Parziale has worked diligently trying to put his standout junior golf career behind him and become a man among men on the golf course.

His first serious crack at the winner's circle came last July when he teamed with fellow Thorny Lea GC member Dave Tasho to finish second in the Brockton City Fourball. (Click here for more.)

Fire Takes Fifth Place In 18th annual Eagle Invitational
(03-21-07)

DAYTONA BEACH, FL--The Southeastern University men's golf team grabbed another top-five finish this year when SEU took fifth place overall in the 18th annual Eagle Invitational at Pelican Bay Country Club, hosted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Matt Parziale helped pace the Fire as he finished ninth place overall for the tournament with a three-round total of 223. Parziale shot a second round two-under-par 70, helping SEU shoot its low round of the tournament, a 297 on Monday afternoon.

The Fire finished with a three-round total of 914, giving the team its fifth top-five finish of the season. SEU finished just seven strokes behind Webber International University, which grabbed fourth place overall with a 907.

Lee University won the tournament with an overall score of 886.

Ryan Carriss shot a first round 73 and tied for 12th place overall with a 226.

Rob Cummings shot a second round 72 and tied for 24th place with a 231 overall score.

FIRE INDIVIDUALS

1. Matt Parziale..........79-70-74-223
2. Ryan Carriss.........73-75-78-226
3. Rob Cummings......76-72-83-231
4. Graeme Nelson.....80-80-75-235
5. Randy Kok............88-91-82-261

Fire Tied For Second In Cat Classic
(03-15-07)

WESTON, FL--The Southeastern University men's golf team shot a 307 Thursday afternoon in the first round of the 2007 Cat Classic hosted by Johnson & Wales University at the Bonaventure Country Club.

Matt Parziale, Graeme Nelson, and Rob Cummings all shot 75 to lead the Fire, which is tied with the U.S. Naval Academy for second place overall.

Johnson & Wales University leads the tournament with a 299 overall.

Round two will be played on Friday morning.

Southeastern individual scoring
1. Matt Parziale..............75
2. Graeme Nelson.........75
3. Rob Cummings..........75
4. Ryan Carriss.............82

Parziale Sets New Scoring Record For Fire
(02-14-07)

LAKE WALES--The Southeastern University men's golf team started its spring semester by tying for third place in the 3rd annual Start-to-Finish tournament, hosted by Webber International University at the Lake Wales Country Club.

Matt Parziale came off a disappointing first round and shot a career tournament low 67 in the second round of the tournament on Thursday. Parziale's 67 is a new SEU scoring record for a single round.

Parziale finished the tournament with a three-round total of 218, finishing in sixth place overall for the tournament.

Southeastern shot a first round 299 and then shot its best round of the tournament with a 294 in the second round. The Fire tied with Savannah College of Art & Design when SEU fired a final round 300, leaving the two schools tied at 893 for the tournament.

Johnson & Wales University won the tournament with an overall score of 849. Webber International took second place with an 892 total score.

Junior Graeme Nelson shot a 219 overall for SEU, including a first round 71, which is Nelson's lowest tournament round at Southeastern.

Rob Cummings finished third on SEU with a three-day total of 227. Ryan Carriss shot a 229 for the tournament overall.

Johnson & Wales' Brad Valois won the tournament with a 207 overall (71-68-68).

Start-To-Finish Team Scores
1. Johnson & Wales University....................289-275-285--849
2. Webber International University...............300-298-294--892
3. Southeastern University..........................299-294-300--893
4. SCAD.......................................................291-292-310--893
5. St. Thomas University..............................309-301-291--900
6. Faulkner University..................................320-295-306--921

Fire Individuals

1. Matt Parziale.................80-67-71--218
2. Graeme Nelson.............71-75-73-219
3. Rob Cummings..............74-76-77-227
4. Ryan Carriss.................74-76-79-229
5. Randy Kok.....................80-82-86-248

Fire Takes Second Place In St. Leo Fall Invitational
(11-01-06)

DADE CITY--The Southeastern University men's golf team could not hold off St. Leo University in the final round of the 2006 St. Leo Fall Invitational, Tuesday; the Fire took second place overall in the tournament at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club.

The Fire led the entire tournament after two rounds as SEU shot a school-record 292 in the second round and led St. Leo by two shots heading into the final round.

Matt Parziale set an individual tournament-scoring record by shooting a second round two-under-par 70. Freshman Kent Hickman also shot the best round of his SEU career with a one-over 73. Graeme Nelson also fired a second round 73.

In the final round, SEU shot a team total of 303 while St. Leo posted a tournament best 291 to win the tournament overall.

Parziale finished in second place overall for the tournament with a 218. Nelson tied for seventh place while Hickman finished just outside the top 10, tying for 11th place overall. Rob Cummings tied for 14th place overall.

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS
2-Matt Parziale................74-70-74-218
T7-Graeme Nelson..........74-73-77-224
T11-Kent Hickman...........75-73-78-226
T14-Rob Cummings.........76-77-74-227
23-Ryan Carriss..............77-76-80-233

Fire Wins Fourth Straight NCCAA II National Title
(10-10-06)

COSHOCTON, OHIO--Southeastern University won its fourth straight NCCAA II National Championship, Tuesday, when the Fire shot a final round 304 to come from behind and defeat Northland Baptist Bible College in the NCCAA national tournament at River Greens Golf Club.

SEU trailed Northland Baptist Bible College by two shots entering the final round; the two schools have developed a nice rivalry over the past two years.

The Fire defeated Northland Baptist in a sudden-death 10-man playoff to win the NCCAA II national title last year, and after trailing by two shots on Monday, the two schools were paired together to play in the final round on Tuesday.

"I am really proud of our team," said Head Coach Evan Gibson. "We had to really battle to win this title. We were not playing our best golf coming into this tournament, and we rallied together to win another title for the university."

Sophomore Matt Parziale was named to the NCCAA All-American team. Parziale shot a 146 (72-74) for the tournament and tied for third place overall.

Parziale becomes only the second golfer in Southeastern history to be named a NCCAA All-American.

Ryan Carriss finished in second place for the Fire, shooting an overall 153, but had a strong final round of 74.

Three other SEU players shot a final round of 78. Senior Rob Cummings, who has been a member of SEU's four national title teams, junior Graeme Nelson, and Lakeland's Kent Hickman.

The NCCAA National Championship is made up of Division 1 and Division 2 schools. SEU competes in the Division 2 tournament but could have still won the Division 1 title if it won the overall tournament.

Winning this year's Division 1 tournament was Indiana Wesleyan University. IWU shot a 584 (291-293) for the tournament, winning the Division 1 championship for the second straight year.

IWU's Will Boyd was the overall individual winner with a 141 (71-70).

2006 NCCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Indiana Wesleyan University.........291-293-584
Malone College..............................299-293-592
Bethel College...............................305-291-596
Cedarville University...................297-299-596
Dallas Baptist University...............298-300-598
Mt. Vernon Nazarene University..297-301-598
Spring Arbor University................302-303-605
North Greenville College...............304-302-606
Southeastern University..............307-304-611
Faulkner University........................317-297-614
Olivet Nazarene University............306-309-615
York College..................................309-307-616
Northland Baptist Bible College......305-316-621
Central Baptist College...................307-317-624
Roberts Wesleyan College.............316-309-625
Bluefield College.............................307-320-627
Northwestern College.....................313-317-630
Oklahoma Wesleyan University......324-316-640
Bethany Lutheran College..............324-324-648
Crown College................................334-326-660
Clearwater Christian College..........335-338-673
Southwestern Christian University.347-337-684
Mid-America Christian University....369-334-703
Philadelphia Biblical University........356-351-707
Toccoa Falls College.......................362-375-737

SOUTHEASTERN INDIVIDUALS
Matt Parziale...............72-74-146
Ryan Carriss...............79-74-153
Rob Cummings............77-78-155
Graeme Nelson...........79-78-157
Kent Hickman..............82-78-160

Fire In Second Place After Round One
(10-09-06)

COSCHOTON, OH--The Southeastern University men's golf team's quest for its fourth straight national championship could be in jeapordy as the Fire shot a 307 in the first round of the NCCAA National Championship, at River Greens Golf Club, on Monday.

The Fire has won the NCCAA II national title the past three years, including a dramatic victory last year in a 10-man playoff with Northland Baptist Bible College(WI).

However, Northland Baptist shot a first round 305 and has a two-shot lead on the Fire after round one.

"We are in the hunt; that's for sure," said Head Coach Evan Gibson. "We could have played a little better, but we have one more round, and it will be good to play with Northland tomorrow."

Southeastern and Northland Baptist will be paired together for the final round along with Olivet Nazarene University and Central Baptist College.

The NCCAA National Championship is made up of Division 1 and Division 2 colleges that both compete for one national championship. However, Division 2 schools also compete for a national title among themselves.

Leading for the Division 1 title is defending champion Indiana Wesleyan University, which fired a first round 291. Cedervillle University and Mount Vernon Nazarene University are tied for second place at 297.

SEU's Matt Parziale is just two shots off the tournament lead as he shot an even par 72 with four birdies in his opening round. Senior Rob Cummings shot 77 while Ryan Carriss and Graeme Nelson both shot 79 for the Fire.

Indiana Wesleyan's Austin Conroy was low man for the day, leading the tournament with a 70. Three players are tied at 71 while five players shot even par.

The final round of the tournament will be held on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.

Fire Looks For Fourth National Invitational Championship
(10-06-06)

LAKELAND--The Southeastern University men's golf team is preparing for the 2006 NCCAA National Tournament in Coshocton, Ohio, October 9-10 and looking for its fourth national title in as many years.

The Fire first won the NCCAA II National Tournament in 2003 and then repeated very easily in 2004, but the title in 2005 was very much a challenge.

"Last year we had to win the championship in a 10-man playoff hole with Northland Baptist," said Head Coach Evan Gibson. "Talk about an exciting experience; it was unbelieveable to win in a playoff."

Northland Baptist expects to be a strong contender for the Division 2 title again this year. But both SEU and Northland Baptist have a chance at winning the Division 1 title as well, especially when both teams finished in second place for the Division 1 title a year ago.

"Last year we may have been a stronger team, especially with Mason," added Gibson. "You just don't replace a two-time All-American that quickly, but we are confident in the returning players we have that we will be prepared and ready to defend our title."

So far in 2006, SEU finished second in the Piedmont College Fall Invitational while not playing so well in the 13th Annual Grenelefe Tournament; the Fire managed a tie for 13th place.

Ryan Carriss tied for 11th place overall in the tournament, which is his best finish of the season. Matt Parziale took second place overall and Rob Cummings tied for third place overall in the Piedmont College Fall Invitational.

"This team is very talented. On any given day we are as good as any team we compete against; we just need more consistency," said Gibson.

The NCCAA II National Tournament will begin Monday morning and finish on Tuesday afternoon. Stay close to SEU's athletic Web site for all the latest updates.

SEU Takes Second Place In Piedmont College Fall Invitational
(09-19-06)

RUTLEDGE, GA--The Southeastern University men's golf team kicked off its season this past weekend in the Piedmont College Fall Invitational at The Creek Golf Course at Hard Labor Creek State Park.

The Fire finished in second place, shooting a 305 in the first round on Sunday, then posting a 309 on Monday for a total score of 614.

Shorter College won the tournament with a 605, firing a 298 in round one, followed by a 307 in round two.

Matt Parziale led the field after round one when he shot a one-under round of 71. Parziale then fired a 78 in round two and finished tied for second place in the tournament with a total score of 149.

Senior Rob Cummings tied for third place in the tournament as he shot a 150 with an opening round of 76 and a final round of 74.

Graeme Nelson shot 154 for the tournament with rounds of 78 and 76.

Southeastern will next play in the 13th Annual WIU-Grenelefe invitational tournament, October 1 - 2, in Haines City, Florida.

SEU INDIVIDUAL SCORING
1. Matt Parziale..............71-78-149
2. Rob Cummings...........76-74-150
3. Graeme Nelson..........78-76-154
4. Ryan Carriss..............81-81-162
5. Kent Hickman.............80-85-165

Parziale was just shy of Advancing In U.S. Amateur
(08-23-06)

Chaska, Minnesota--Southeastern University golfer Matt Parziale was unable to advance to the match-play round of the 2006 U.S. Amateur golf championship on Aug. 22, as Parziale missed the cut by just one shot.

Parziale shot a 75 on Aug. 21 and missed an eight-foot putt on the 18th hole Aug. 22. A successful putt would have sent him to the second round of the championship. Parziale finished Tuesday's round with a two-over 74, finishing the tournament with a score of 149.

Parziale finished tied for 84th overall for the tournament out of 312 players participating in this year's field.

"It's alright," said Parziale by phone on the evening of Aug. 22 from Minnesota. "It was a great experience and there is always next year."

Parziale will be entering his sophomore season at Southeastern University. Coach Evan Gibson will look to his exceptional play over the summer to help lead Southeastern to its fourth straight NCCAA II National Championship in October.

Southeastern golfer plays at U.S. Amateur tournament (from The [Lakeland, Fla.] Ledger)
(08-21-06)

After a summer in which he fired a 63, won a tournament and competed against the top amateurs in his home state of Massachusetts, Matt Parziale hopes the progress he's made will pay off in the U.S. Amateur. Click here for more.

SEU's Parziale Qualifies For U.S. Amateur Championship
(07-26-06)

NORTON, Mass.--Southeastern's Matt Parziale qualified for the 2006 U.S. Amateur Championship by defeating Steve Alminas on the second playoff hole, Tuesday afternoon, in the U.S. Amateur sectional qualifier at the New England Country Club.

Parziale, who will be a sophomore at Southeastern in the fall, led the Fire in scoring average as a freshman last season.

The U.S. Amateur is the oldest USGA championship and was first played in 1895 at the Newport Golf Club in Rhode Island. There is no age restriction for the event, but players must have a 2.4 or lower handicap in order to participate. It is one of 13 championships conducted by the USGA annually.

"This is a tremendous accomplishment for Matt and our golf program," said Head Coach Evan Gibson. "Think of all the great players that have played in this tournament, people like Tiger Woods, Bobby Jones, and Jack Nicklaus. I'm just glad to see all of his hard work pay off."

Parziale shot a first round 69 to lead the tournament, but his second round 74 cost him a top-two finish and put him in the playoff with Alminas. Parziale finished the tournament with an overall score of 143.

There are 98 locations across the country that are holding sectional qualifying for the U.S. Amateur Championship. An estimated 4,000 golfers will try to qualify for the tournament, but only 312 players will qualify for the U.S. Amateur Championship.

The U.S. Amateur Championship is scheduled to take place, August 21-27, at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn.

Another Top 10-Finish For Southeastern
(03-22-06)

ROME, GA--With cold and rainy conditions, the Southeastern University men's golf team managed another top-10 finish in the Rome News-Tribune Invitational, Tuesday afternoon at Stonebridge Golf Club.

Southeastern's Graeme Nelson continued to play well despite the conditions, finishing 27th overall with a two-day total of 152. Nelson shot 74 in round one and followed that up with a 78 in round two. Ryan Carriss shot a 75 in the final round to finish at 155 while Matt Parziale finished the tournament a shot behind Carriss at 156.

Rob Cummings had the lowest round for the Fire in round two with a 74. Cummings shot 160 for the tournament, and freshman J.P. Jackson had a strong showing in just his second tournament appearance with a 159 overall.

Berry College won the tournament with a remarkable 584 for the tournament. Berry fired a final round 285 and was led by Boris Brukert's final round 69.

FIRE INDIVIDUALS
1. Graeme Nelson 74-78-152
2. Ryan Carriss 80-75-155
3. Matt Parziale 79-77-156
4. J.P. Jackson 80-79-159
5. Rob Cummings 86-74-160

Fire Finishes Fifth In Grenelefe Spring Invitational

HAINES CITY--The Southeastern men's golf team had one of its strongest showings of the year in the 2006 Grenelefe Invitational Tournament, tying for fifth place in one of the strongest fields the Fire faced all season.

The tournament was hosted by Webber International University, March 17-18, at Grenelefe golf club's south and east courses. The tournament was cut to 27 holes due to darkness, and Southeastern finished with an overall score of 462, tying with Brevard Community College.

The Fire shot a first round 311 on the east course and was led by Graeme Nelson's 73. Nelson had a top-10 finish in the tournament, taking eighth place with an overall score of 110. Following Nelson was Matt Parziale, who finished tied for 12th place for the tournament at 112. Ryan Carriss finished the tournament with a 115, tied for 26th place.

Johnson and Wales won the tournament with an overall score of 424. Following Johnson and Wales was Webber International, Minnesota State University, and Thomas University.

FIRE INDIVIDUALS
1. Graeme Nelson 73-37-110
2. Matt Parziale 78-34-112
3. Ryan Carriss 79-36-115
4. Adam Carr 81-44-125
5. Rob Cummings 86-48-134

SEU Finishes Fourth In Eagle Invitational
(03-15-06)

DAYTONA BEACH--The Southeastern University men's golf team finished fourth in the 17th Annual Eagle Invitational, Wednesday, at Indigo Lakes Golf Course, shooting a final round 319.

The Fire used a first round 305 to keep itself in the hunt to win the tournament, but Brevard Community College's 299 in the final round gave Brevard the tournament victory. Brevard finished the tournament with an overall score of 604.

Webber International finished second with a 609, followed by Embry Riddle at 622, and Southeastern at 624.

Matt Parziale and Ryan Carriss both shot 152, tying for 10th place overall in the tournament. Graeme Nelson finished tied for 26th place with a 158. Adam Carr came in with a 164 while Rob Cummings shot 166 for the tournament.

Southeastern will next play in the Grenelefe Spring Invitational, March 17-18, in Haines City, Florida.

TOP 5
1. Brevard Community College..........305-299-604
2. Webber International University....303-306-609
3. Embry-Riddle University................303-319-622
4. Southeastern University...............305-319-624
5. Savannah School of Art & Design 314-311-625

FIRE INDIVIDUALS
1. Matt Parziale..............72-80-152
1. Ryan Carriss.............73-79-152
3. Graeme Nelson..........78-80-158
4. Adam Carr.................84-80-164
5. Rob Cummings..........82-84-166

Fire Tied For Third In Daytona
(03-14-06)

DAYTONA BEACH--Freshman Matt Parziale led Southeastern University to a first round 305 and a tie for third place in the 17th Annual Eagle Invitational, hosted by Embry Riddle University at Indigo Lakes Golf Club.

Parziale shot even par (72) and is tied for the overall lead in the tournament with Brevard Community College's Matt Taylor.

Sophomore Ryan Carriss is just one shot off the lead as he shot 73 for the day. Graeme Nelson shot 78 while Rob Cummings finished with an 82. Adam Carr finished the day for the Fire with an 84.

Southeastern is tied with Brevard Community College and trails Webber International and Embry Riddle University by just two shots.

The Fire will compete in the final round of the Eagle Invitational on Wednesday morning while the team also will compete in the Grenelefe Spring Invitational, in Haines City, at the end of the week.

TEAM LEADERS
Webber International--303
Embry Riddle University--303
Southeastern University--305
Brevard Community College--305
Berry College--306
Lee University--307
Dallas Baptist University--308
Northwood University (Tex.)--310

FIRE LEADERS
Matt Parziale 37-35--72
Ryan Carriss 37-36--73
Graeme Nelson 40-38--78
Rob Cummings 41-41--82
Adam Carr 43-41--84