May 2, 2008

LUBBOCK, Texas - After playing some of their best golf of the season on the conference's premier stage last weekend, Texas Tech golfers Garrett Merrell and Chris Ward were named to the All-Big 12 Men's Golf Team in voting done by the league's coaches.

Merrell, a Dallas, Texas, native, (Highland Park HS), enjoyed a successful spring campaign with top-20 finishes in five of six events, including a second-place showing at the UTSA Intercollegiate and a low round of 64 at the UH Hilo Classic. The junior capped off a solid spring campaign with some of the best rounds of his career at the conference tournament, where he posted the lowest round of the tournament's first day with a 67 and followed it up with a 68 on the second day to boost him to a third-place finish.

Ward, a midyear transfer from Oklahoma State, proved to be a key addition for Tech during the spring. His steady play throughout the season earned him two top-20 showings in three events leading up to the conference tournament. The sophomore from McKinney, Texas, left an indelible impression on the conference's coaches last weekend with three par-or-better rounds, including a 69 in the second round, to finish in fourth place and help the Red Raiders to their second consecutive third-place showing at the Big 12 Tournament.

No. 24 Tech is now awaiting a bid to the NCAA regional round May 11-14. Announcements of bids are scheduled for Mon., May 5.

All-Big 12 Team
Colton Williams, Baylor, So.
Chris Baker, Iowa State, Sr.
Rickie Fowler, Oklahoma State, Fr.
Trent Leon, Oklahoma State, Jr.
Kevin Tway, Oklahoma State, Fr.
Charlie Holland, Texas, So.
Bobby Hudson, Texas, Fr.
Robert Gates, Texas A&M, Sr.
Garrett Merrell, Texas Tech, Jr.
Chris Ward, Texas Tech, So.

Newcomer of the Year
Rickie Fowler, Oklahoma State, Fr.

Coach of the Year
Mike McGraw, Oklahoma State