MSUB Golf Team Adds Idaho Standout (June 2, 2004)

BILLINGS, MT – Montana State-Billings head golf coach Roger Burckley announced today that Zach Abels of Twin Falls, Idaho, has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Yellowjackets next fall.  Abels graduated with High Honors from Kimberly High School last week.

Abels posted a third place individual finish at the Idaho State 3A championships this year after carding a 72.  He was an individual medalist in four of six regular season matches and finished the year with a 72 scoring average. 

Abels captured the individual state championship as a junior while leading Kimberly HS to a fourth place team finish in 2003.  He was named the KHS Golfer of the Year all four years.  Abels also played on the Idaho Hogan Cup Team in 2002 and 2003 and on the Idaho America’s Cup Team in 2003.  He won the Idaho Junior Golf Association individual championship in 2002.

“I really enjoyed my visit to Billings,” said Abels.  “It reminded me a lot of Idaho.  I’m confident that MSU Billings is a place where I can excel academically and athletically.  Coach Burckley’s enthusiasm for building a program is exciting for me.  I believe I can help build a golf program that will put MSU Billings on the map.”

The 2004-2005 season will be the Yellowjackets’ third season of NCAA Division II competition.  MSU Billings is the only university in Montana to sponsor both men’s and women’s golf at the NCAA level.