The Valparaiso men’s golf team closed out the 2012 fall season on Tuesday afternoon at the Dayton Fall Invitational, finishing in a tie for third place.

The Crusaders improved by two strokes on Tuesday from their first-round performance Monday, shooting a final-round 297 to close the tournament at 596, matching Detroit and Western Kentucky.  Oakland took the team title with a 578, while the Golden Grizzlies’ Nick Cunningham earned individual medalist honors with a two-under-par 140.

“While we didn't have the closing round that we were looking for today, we were very pleased with another top-three finish,” said Crusader head coach David Gring.  “It was a great way to end a terrific fall season, with our fifth top-three finish in seven tournaments.  We have gained a lot of tournament experience this all, and that will bode well for the spring 2013 season.”

Sophomore Eric Winters (Elgin, Ill./Saint Edward) shot the Crusaders’ top round on Tuesday, posting a one-over 72 to finish the 36-hole tournament at 147, good for a tie for 12^th place.  Junior Thomas Wettstein (Neenah, Wis./Xavier) shot a 77 on Tuesday and finished in a tie for 19^th position with a score of 149.  Junior Kyle Henning (Brookfield, Wis./East) finished one shot behind Wettstein in a tie for 27^th, closing the event with a 74 for a total of 150.

“Eric Winters played very consistent for us this entire fall season,” said Gring.  “He had two solid and steady rounds over the last two days on a very challenging course.  I'm proud of his efforts.”

Senior Austin Gaugert (Lake Geneva, Wis./Badger) also finished the tournament with a round of 74 on Tuesday, giving him a 36-hole total of 152 to finish in a tie for 35^th place.  Fifth-year senior Brad Winters (Elgin, Ill./Saint Edward [Dayton]) rounded out the Crusaders’ lineup with a 153 following his Tuesday 77, good for a tie for 41^st position.  Playing as an individual, freshman Matt Ward (Plainfield, Ill./South) closed with an 81 for a total of 157 to finish in a tie for 65^th place.