May 9, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State men's golf team held its annual Awards Luncheon at Belmont Country Club Thursday. Head Coach Mike Watney wrapped up his 30th season coaching by honoring the 2007-08 team.

Graduation awards went to Mark Pryor and former Bulldog Jason Anthony. Pryor was honored as a senior, although he is working on being eligible for another year due to a back surgery that took two years of his eligibility. Pryor was the teams co-captain and won the Weight Room Stud Award.

The Most Improved award went to Brad Wyatt for his performance this season. Wyatt, a sophomore from La Verne, improved just about everything from last year including a new low round of 67 and five top-twenty finishes. Wyatt shot three rounds in the 60's and broke par eight times.

The Elco, Inc. Intercollegiate champion Michael Gideon exploded into the Fresno State line-up his freshman year, earning him the Most Outstanding Freshman Award. The Lancaster native tied for second on the team with four eagles and tallied 66 birdies. Gideon also competed in 13 tournaments in his first campaign with the `Dogs and had three top-twenty finishes.

Junior Matt Ryan was the recipient of the Bulldog Award which embodies the no give-up attitude. Ryan had a last round average a full stroke better than his 73.95 average. Ryan was also recognized for his excellence in the classroom as a WAC Scholar Athlete and a Dean's List member.

Co-captain Todd Angel had a fantastic year also improving greatly in his golf game. Angel received the Most Outstanding Award highlighting the season with a second place finish at the Alister MacKenzie Invitational. There Angel shot a low round of 63 which ties Nick Watney for the all-time single round scoring record at Fresno State. Angel also led the team with five eagles and had 108 birdies.

The most coveted award went to Grant Doverspike. Doverspike was named the team's Most Valuable Player after leading the team in strokes per round with 72.41 and five top-five finishes, three of which were for second place. Doverspike is the CSU San Marcos Inviational champion finishing eight-under par. The two-time First Team All-WAC sophomore led the teams with the most rounds in the 60's with nine and had eagles and nine birdies.

The Bulldogs concluded the season with a third place finish at the WAC Championships.