Oct. 1, 2002

Complete Golfweek/Sagarin Rankings

The UNLV men's golf team finished second at the Tucker Intercollegiate and third at the Carpet Capital, but it is their fourth-place finish this week that is perhaps the most stunning.

The Rebels were ranked fourth nationally in the latest Golfweek/Sagarin Performance Index, released Tuesday, a 16-spot leap from their Sept. 20 ranking. In that time, UNLV shot three straight sub-par rounds and defeated 11 ranked teams at the talent-heavy Carpet Capital Collegiate in Rocky Face, Ga. Top-ranked Clemson, who won the tournament, was the only other school to break par in every round.

"Well, it's early in the season, but it's certainly nice recognition," UNLV head coach Dwaine Knight said. "I think we've played some really good golf in these first two tournaments. Our two objectives right now are to have chance to win heading into final round, and playing in the lead group. That's where you find the teams that are really in it week in and week out."

In addition to the impressive team rankings, several UNLV individuals were also recognized. Ryan Moore climbed one spot, to No. 15. Sophomore J.C. Deacon debuted at No. 29, marking the first time UNLV has boasted two players in the top 50 since Jeremy Anderson and Michael Kirk did it at the end of the 1999-2000 season.

Freshman Mitch Carlson and sophomore Travis Whisman also earned mention, checking in at 103rd and 104th, respectively.

The Rebels' will test that ranking next at the Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate in Birmingham, Ala., on Oct. 13-15.