2008 Woodie Awards
To the top of the scorecard
Golfer excels after year at community college
Megan Kramper
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A year ago Jordan Cox was told there wasn't a spot for him on the SIU men's golf team.
Cox was recruited by SIU head coach Leroy Newton out of high school, but was advised by the coach to spend a year in community college if he wanted to attend SIU because all spots on the team were filled.
This season, though, the sophomore golfer has shown he has earned a roster spot.
Cox, who transferred to SIU from Springfield College this season, was named MVC Golfer of the Week Sept. 19 after he finished in first place in the Jackson State University National Invitational in Tunica, Miss.
The wait seems to have paid off.
Cox was the Salukis' top finisher in SIU's first two tournaments. Cox finished in eighth place at the Wasioto Winds Kick Off Invitational on Sept. 4 and first place at the JSU Invitational Sept. 18.
With Cox's help, the Salukis have earned two second place trophies and are off to their best start since the 2004-2005 season, when they placed fourth in the MVC.
Cox said he has made a smooth transition from playing at a community college to Division I with the help of his teammates.
"It's a really good team atmosphere," Cox said.
Last year in Springfield, Cox earned the NJCAA All-American honor and qualified for nationals during his spring season.
Even with these accomplishments, though, Newton thought Cox would have to fight for a top spot on the team.
"I thought he'd be vying for fourth or fifth spot," Newton said.
However, Cox has exceeded expectations, Newton said, and will likely take the number one or two position on the team.
Teammate Todd Obergoenner, a junior, said he is already noticing Cox's presence in the Salukis' line up.
"He's a real solid player who hits a long way off the team which allows him to hit low scores day in and day out," Obergoenner said.
After a surprising fourth place finish in the MVC last year, Newton said Cox would have to be the key factor to the Salukis' hopes of finishing at the top of the conference.
The Salukis will resume fall play on Oct. 1 at the UTA/Water Chase Invitational in Arlington, Texas.
Daily Egyptian writer Megan Kramper can be reached at 536-3311 ext 282 or megkramp@siu.edu.
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