Sept. 12 – 13 Mark Simpson Invitational Boulder, Colo. Sept. 18 – 19 Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational USAFA, Colo. Sept. 30 – Oct. 1 William H. Tucker Invitational Albuquerque, N.M. Oct. 17 – 18 Alister MacKenzie Invitational Fairfax, Calif. Jan. 30 – 31 Arizona Intercollegiate Invitational Tucson, Ariz. Feb. 15 – 17 John Burns Intercollegiate Invitational Oahu, Hawaii

March 16 – 17 Morris Williams Intercollegiate Invitational Austin, Texas March 22 – 23 Barona Collegiate Cup San Diego, Calif. March 30 – 31 U.S. Intercollegiate Invitational Stanford, Calif. April 20 – 21 The Aggie Invitational College Station, TexasApril 27 – 29 PAC-12 Championships Corvallis, Oregon

BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Head Coach Randall McCracken, Casey Halliday, Gentry Hicks, Myles Sullivan, Andrew Etzel, Jonathon Thomas, Michael CoopmanFRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Asst. Coach Andrew Mecham, Brandon Kida, Ben Bankhead, Jack Maerki, Daniel Engle, Joe Webber

UTAHGOLF

UTAHUTES.COM

2 0 1 2

UTAHUTES.COM UTAHUTES.COM

Back row (l to r): Assistant Coach Randall McCracken, Casey Halliday, Gentry Hicks, Myles Sullivan, Andrew Etzel, Jonathon Thomas, Michael Coopman. Front row (l to r): Assistant Coach Andrew Mecham, Brandon Kida, Ben Bankhead, Jack Maerki, Daniel Engle, Joe Webber.

Name Elig. Hometown Last SchoolBen Bankhead So. McKinney, Texas McKinney Boyd HSMichael Coopman Fr. Park City, Utah Park City HSDaniel Engle So. Talent, Ore. Oregon StateAndrew Etzel Jr. Murray, Utah Judge Memorial Catholic HSCasey Halliday Jr. Salt Lake City, Utah Brighton HSGentry Hicks Fr. Oro Valley, Ariz. Canyon Del Oro HSBrandon Kida Fr. Layton, Utah Layton HSJack Maerki Fr. Brightwater, N.Y. Bay Shore HSMyles Sullivan Fr. Portage La Prairie, ManitobaJonathon Thomas Fr. West Point, Utah Syracuse HSJoe Webber Jr. Sandy, Utah Alta HS

Coaching StaffHead Coach: Randall McCrackenAssistant Coach: Andrew Mecham

Location: Salt Lake City, UtahMetro Population: 1,333,914Elevation: 4,657 feetInterim President: Dr. Lorris BetzDirector of Athletics: Dr. Chris HillFounded: 1850Enrollment: 29,051Nickname: UtesColors: Crimson and WhiteMascot: Swoop (Red-tailed Hawk)Conference: Pac-12Affiliation: NCAA Division IWebsite: www.UtahUtes.com

Ute Administration

Quick Facts

Director of Athletics: Dr. Chris HillAssociate AD/Sports Information: Liz AbelAssociate AD/SWA: Mary BowmanAssistant AD/Ticketing: Zack LassiterAssociate AD/Internal Operations: Pete OliszczakAssociate AD/External Operations: Doug Knuth

Coaching Staff Head Coach: Randall McCracken Phone: 801.585.1041 E-mail: rmccracken@huntsman.utah.edu

Assistant Coach: Andrew Mecham Phone: 801.815.3230 E-mail: andrew.mecham@slcgov.com

2010-11 Review 2010-11 MWC Finish: 7thLetterwinners Returning/Lost: 3/4Newcomers: 8

Athletic Communications Director: Liz AbelAssociate Director: Kyle HarrisAssistant Director: Brooke FredericksonAssistant Director: Mike DeVineOffice Manager: Kate SturgeonGolf Contact: Emily RadivoyevichOffice Phone: 801.581.3510Mobile Phone: 801.647.0153E-Mail: emilyr@huntsman.utah.edu

Roster Name Class HometownBen Bankhead So. McKinney, TexasMicahel Coopman Fr. Park City, UtahDaniel Engle So. Talent, Ore.Andrew Etzel Jr. Murray, UtahCasey Halliday Jr. Salt Lake City, UtahGentry Hicks Fr. Oro Valley, Ariz.Brandon Kida Fr. Layton, UtahJack Maerki Fr. Brightwater, N.YMyles Sullivan Fr. Portage La Prairie, ManitobaJonathon Thomas Fr. West Point, UtahJoe Webber Jr. Sany, Utah

2011-12 Schedule Sept. 12-13 Mark Simpson Invitational Boulder, Colo.Sept. 18-19 Gene Miranda Falcon Invitational Colorado Springs, Colo.Sept. 30-Oct.1 William H. Tucker Invitational Albuquerque, N.M.Oct. 17-18 Alister MacKenzie Invitational Fairfax, Calif.Jan. 30-31 Arizona Intercollegiate Invitational Tucson, Ariz.Feb. 15-17 John Burns Intercollegiate Invitational Oahu, HawaiiMarch 16-17 Morris Williams Intercollegiate Invitational Austin, TexasMarch 22-23 Barona Collegaite Cup San Diego, Calif.April 20-21 Aggie Invitational College Station, TexasApril 27-29 Pac-12 Champsionships Corvallis, Ore.

Credits The 2011-12 University of Utah golf guide was designed by Mike DeVine, Assistant Athletic Communications Director. Written by student assistant Emily Radivoyevich. Edited by Utah Athletic Communications. Photography by Steve Wilson.

Team

Info

rmat

ion

Team

Info

rmat

ion

UTAHUTES.COM

The University of Utah

The University of Utah athletics program will begin its membership in the prestigious Pac-12 Conference beginning in 2011-12. Founded in 1850, the University of Utah now encompasses 1,500 acres in the foothills of the towering Wasatch Mountain range. The campus is located just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and world-class ski resorts, and includes an eclectic mix of teaching and research facilities in a park-like setting of trees, fountains, flowering malls and pedestrian walkways.

Home to a student population of over 29,000, the U. offers some 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate majors. Many of the U’s programs are nationally ranked, including law, pharmacy, architecture, business, engineering and dance.

Utah ranks among the top public research universities in the nation, with particular distinction in medicine, genetics and engineering. In 2009-2010, the University received a record-setting $450.6 million in external funding for research. University of Utah geneticist Mario R. Capecchi, one of many acclaimed faculty members, received the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine for his work on gene targeting.

The Eccles Institute of Human Genetics is one of several innovative medical programs at the University of Utah. Others include the Huntsman Cancer Institute, the Moran Eye Center and the Brain Institute.

The U. is also noted for its work in technology and computer sciences; and its Center for High Performance Computing serves as a link to major aerospace industries, high-tech manufacturers and research companies. The University is tied for first in the nation with MIT in successfully commercializing the discoveries that occur on campus.

The U. provides a lively residential living experience in beautiful Heritage Commons, which served as the Athletes Village for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Utah students enjoy unparalleled recreational activities, from skiing and snowboarding at any of eight world-class resorts in nearby canyons, to backpacking, mountain biking, fly fishing and river running.

The U.’s location in the largest city in the Intermountain West (metro population 1,130,293) allows for an urban experience in a spectacular natural setting. Salt Lake City is home to professional symphony, ballet, modern dance, opera and theater companies, as well as four professional sports teams.

Ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, the University of is renowned for its research expertise, academic performance and athletic prowess. The U. is the only institution in the state of Utah—to earn a top-tier ranking from the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and has done so for five straight years.

SNAPSHOT OF THE U.• Founded in 1850• Research I University• Top 100 world ranking• 190 majors (undergraduate/ graduate)• 2007 Nobel Prize winner Mario Cappechi• Pac-12 Conference member starting in 2011-12

The

Univ

ersit

y of

Uta

h

The

Univ

ersit

y of

Uta

h

UTAHUTES.COM UTAHUTES.COM

Salt Lake City

Consistently cited as one of the nation’s most livable cities, Salt Lake City ranks high for its employment and cultural opportunities, quality of life and recreation. In the May 2010 issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine Salt Lake City was No. 5 on its list of the “10 Best Cities for the Next Decade.” Forbes Magazine selected Salt Lake City as “The Best City for Jobs” in both 2007 and 2008.

Nestled between the Wasatch and Oquirrh Mountain ranges and the Great Salt Lake, the city is located in one of the most picturesque places on earth. The lowest point within city boundaries is 4,210 feet near the Great Salt Lake, and the highest is Grandview Peak at 9,410 feet. The Great Salt Lake (48 miles wide and 90 miles long) is the world’s second largest saltwater lake and the largest lake in the western United States.

The city is the cultural, financial, educational, technological, commercial, and communications hub of the Intermountain West. Utah was named the most technologically advanced state in the 2008 Digital States Survey. Salt Lake is also home to world-renowned medical and technology industries.

Cultural and ethnic activities flourish in Salt Lake City and its vibrant downtown features dining, shopping, music and ethnic festivals, art galleries, professional symphony, opera, theater and dance.

The annual Sundance Film Festival, which is the largest independent film festival in the U.S., attracts movie stars, celebrities, and thousands of film buffs to the area every year. According to P3/Production Update Magazine, Utah is one of the “10 Best States in the Nation for Film.”

Professional sports franchises in Salt Lake City include the Utah Jazz (NBA), Real Salt Lake (Major League Soccer), the Salt Lake Bees (AAA baseball) and the Utah Grizzlies (East Coast Hockey League).

Salt Lake City, home to the University of Utah and the state’s capital city, offers an unrivaled blend of metropolitan life and recreational opportunities. With 183,171 residents in the city limits and a metro population of 1,333,914, Salt Lake City is the largest city in the state.

THE BEST CITY

• Fifth-best City for the Next Decade, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine• “Best City for Jobs,” Forbes Magazine• 237 days of sunshine per year• Host city for the 2002 Winter Olympics

ENTERTAINMENT

• 14 ski resorts within an hour’s drive• Home to the Sundance Film Festival• Four professional sports franchises• Symphony, opera, theater and dance

SALT LAKE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

• Five minutes from downtown • Delta Airlines hub• 23rd-busiest airport in the U.S.

Salt

Lake

City

Salt

Lake

City

UTAHUTES.COMValley View Golf Course Bonneville Golf Course Country Club of Salt Lake

The University of Utah golf team utilizes a number of facilities -- on and off campus -- all along the Wasatch Front.

On campus, Ute golfers have access to the Dee Glen Smith Athletics Center weight room, along with a strength and conditioningcoach assigned to them. Additionally, Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations Pete Oliszczak works directly with the student-athletes to ensure they are getting the most out of their experience.

Off campus, Utah golfers practice at a number of nearby courses. The following is a list of courses and facilites utilized by the Utes:

• Bonneville Golf Course 954 Connor St., Salt Lake City, UT 84108 801.583.9513 www.slcgov.com/publicservices/ golf/ Bonneville.htm• Glendale Golf Course 1630 W., 2100 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84119 801.974.2403 http://www.slcgov.com/PublicServices/Golf/Glendale.html• Glenwild Golf Club 7600 Glenwild Dr., Park City, UT 84098 435.615.9988 http://www.glenwild.com/privategolfcourse/• Wingpointe Golf Course 3602 W., 100th N., Salt Lake CIty, UT 84104 801.575.2345 http://www.slcgov.com/PublicServices/Golf/Wingpointe.html• Rose Park Golf Course 1386 N. Redwood Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84116 801.596.5030 http://www.slcgov.com/PublicServices/Golf/RosePark.html • Mountain Dell Golf Course Interstate 80 Exit 134 Salt Lake City, UT 84109 801.582.3812 http://www.slcgov.com/publicservices/golf/MountainDell.html• Stonebridge Golf Course 4415 Links Dr., West Valley City, UT 84120 801.957.9000 http://www.golfstonebridgeutah.com/• Park City Golf Course Thaynes Canyon Dr., Park City, UT 84098 435.615.5800 http://www.utah.com/golf/courses/park_city.htm• River Oaks Golf Course 9300 Riverside Dr., Sandy, UT 84070 801.568.4653 http://riveroaksmunigolf.com/• Soldier Hollow Golf Course Soldier Hollow, Midway, UT 84049 435.654.7442 http://www.soldierhollow.com/golf_course.php• South Mountain Golf Course 1247 Mike Weir Dr., Draper, UT 84120 801.495.0500 http://www.utah.com/golf/courses/south_mtn.htm• Mulligan’s 1690 W., 400 N., Odgen, UT 84404 801.392.4653 http://www.utah.com/golf/courses/mulligans.htm• Thanksgiving Point 3300 W. Clubhouse Dr., Lehi, UT 84043 801.768.7400 http://www.thanksgivingpoint.com/visit/golf/about.html• Hidden Valley Country Club 11820 S. Highland Dr., Sandy, UT 84092 801.571.0583 http://hiddenvalley.cc/• Willow Creek Country Club 8505 Willow Creek Dr., Sandy, UT 84093 801.942.1954 http://www.willowcreekcc.com/• The Country Club of Salt Lake 2400 Country Club Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84109 801.466.8751 http://www.saltlakecountryclub.com/• Jeremy Ranch Country Club 8770 N. Jeremy Rd., Park City, UT 84098 435.649.2700 http://www.thejeremy.com/• The Golf Lab 925 S. West Temple, Salt Lake CIty, UT 84101 801.746.1291 http://www.golflab.net/• Valley View Golf Course 2501 E. Gentile Rd., Layton, UT 84040 801.546.1630 http://www.valleyviewutah.com/

Utah Golf VenuesUt

ah G

olf V

enue

s

Utah

Gol

f Ven

ues

UTAHUTES.COM UTAHUTES.COM

Utah cross country student-athletes have access to some of the finest support services and facilities in the nation.

Sports Medicine

The Utah Experience Strength and

Conditioning

Student-

Athlete Support Services

Academic

Support Services

The

Utah

Exp

erie

nce

The

Utah

Exp

erie

nce

UTAHUTES.COM

Pac-12 Here We ComeIn July of 2011, the University of Utah moved into the Pac-12 Conference. Utah formally accepted an invitation to join the conference as its 12th member on June 17, 2010, a week after Colorado made its announcement. In doing so, Utah and Colorado became the conference’s newest members since 1978.

Eugene, Ore.UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

Los Angeles

UCLA, USC

Tempe, Ariz.ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Corvalis, Ore.OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

San Francisco

STANFORD UNIVERSITY,

CAL BERKELEY

SeattleUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Tucson, Ariz.

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Pullman, Wash.

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

Boulder, Colo.COLORADO UNIVERSITY

Salt Lake CityUNIVERSITY OF UTAH

Pac-

12 H

ere

We

Com

e

Pac-

12 H

ere

We

Com

e

UTAHUTES.COM UTAHUTES.COM

Randall McCrackenHead Coach • Eighth Season

Randall McCracken is in his eigth season at the helm of the University of Utah golf program. He took over as the Utes’ head golf coach on July 15, 2004. McCracken came to the U. from Utah Valley State College, where he had served as the head men’s golf coach for two seasons. McCracken was also the golf teaching professional at Willow Creek Country Club.

In 2009, McCracken led the Utes to the Purple & Red Invitational title, where Utah won the first playoff hole over Arkansas-Little Rock. The Utes also took runner-up honors at the Gene Miranda Falcon Invite that season.

McCracken guided Dustin Pimm to two straight appearances in the NCAA West Regional as well as an NCAA National Championship appearance in 2005-06, the first ever by a Ute.

McCracken began his career as a golf instructor and the assistant golf professional at the Idaho Falls Country Club from 1994-95. His next stop was Destin, Fla., where he served as the director of instruction at the Emerald Bay Resort from 1996-99.

In 1998, McCracken began a four-year stint with Wine Golf, L.L.C. in Jacksonville, Fla. He was the vice president of Wine Golf from 1998-2001 and doubled as the director of instruction at the Mike Wine Golf Academy from 1999-2001.

Since moving to Utah, McCracken has volunteered his time with several at-risk youth golf programs. He has also been the lead instructor for Project GAIN, a Salt Lake City/University of Utah-based program for teaching golf to persons with disabilities.

The Eugene, Ore. native, McCracken attended the University of Oregon, playing on its golf team from 1991-94. McCracken graduated from Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in parks, recreation and tourism in 1995.

McCracken captured 10 wins in professional golf tours throughout the southeastern United States from 1994-96. He played in numerous PGA section championships and Nationwide Tour events from 1997-2001. In 1999, he won the National PGA Assistants Championship and was named the PGA Dixie Section Assistant Player of the Year. He was exempted into the second stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament in both 2000 and 2001. He also earned an exemption into the 2000 Tooney’s National Championship in New South Wales, Australia, where he finished 10th. Most recently, McCracken held conditional status on the Candian Tour in 2007.

Andrew MechamAssistant Coach • Second Season

Andrew Mecham is in his second season as the assistant coach of the University of Utah golf program.

Since May of 2009, Mecham has served as an assistant golf professional at Mountain Dell Golf Course. He is a class A Professional Golfers’ Association of America member and has played in numerous local PGA events in both the Utah and Southwest Sections

After three years as an assistant, he was promoted to the prestigious title of head golf professional at the Oasis Golf Club. He managed a 36-hole semi-private facility with over 150 members and over 17,000 group outing rounds. One of his highlights was hosting the Big Break Mesquite golf event on the Golf Channel.

Mecham graduated as a film major with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Utah in 1994. He began his professional career in April 2002 as an assistant golf professional at Willow Creek Country Club. Since then, he has returned to his hometown as the assistant golf professional of Mountain Dell Golf Course.

Coc

achi

ng S

taff

Coa

chin

g St

aff

UTAHUTES.COM

When looking ahead to the Utah golf team’s inaugural season in the Pac-12 Conference, the strong competition the Utes will face doesn’t faze eighth-year head Coach Randall McCracken. Although the team doesn’t have a single senior and only has three returning letter-winners, McCracken believes a younger, deeper and more talented roster is what will lead the Utes to a successful 2011-12 season.

“Top to bottom, we are better than we were last year,” says McCracken. “The seniors put a little too much pressure on themselves last season. This year we have a deep roster, with 10 eligible players and a lot of talent.”

Junior Joe Webber is one of three Utes returning to the squad. After being redshirted last year, Webber is eager to prove himself a consistent player. McCracken saw his skill develop more to par at the end of the 2010-11 season and knows that a year of practicing has helped Webber hone his game.

“We redshirted Joe last year and he didn’t travel,” notes McCracken. “He really showed himself as a better player at the end of his second year. He will probably be in the top two or three of our roster.”

Andrew Etzel is another returning Ute, who also redshirted last season. An entire summer of practice has really paid off for the junior and McCracken sees a “night and day” difference in his game.

“He struggled over the last three years,” says McCracken. “But I am really excited to see how he performs. He has improved so much over summer and really adjusted to collegiate play.”

Joe Webber Andrew Etzel

Sophomore Ben Bankhead traveled during the 2010-11 season as a freshman. McCracken sees Bankhead assuming a leadership role along with Webber.

“Ben has had a whole year of experience, playing in all 12 tournaments,” McCracken acknowledges. “He is all about the team’s success.”

Daniel Engle joined the Utes as a freshman transfer from Oregon State during the spring of 2011 and returns to the squad as a sophomore. He was able to play in four tournaments and competed as an unattached player in three.

“Daniel is a hard worker and a talented golfer,” McCracken says. “He is not fazed by college golf.”

Local talent and 3A state champion Mike Coopman joins Utah as a freshman. McCracken considered redshirting him, but Coopman has exceed his expectations.

“Mike is a workaholic and is comfortable in the system,” McCracken elaborates. “He is a big kid and is extremely athletic, which makes him easier to teach and coach. He is an under-the-radar player who will be great in a couple of years.”

Junior Casey Halliday transferred to Utah from Weber State, where he was consistently one of the Wildcats’ top two players. McCracken hopes to see Halliday take advantage of his collegiate experience and compete for a top spot on the Ute roster.

“I am excited to have Casey join our team,” McCracken says. “He has proven himself on the collegiate level and on the road.”

Arizona-native Gentry Hicks joins the Utes as a freshman, and has impressed coaches with his powerful swing. McCracken acknowledges Hicks has an overall great talent and a key addition to the team.

“He is a 100 percent pure golfer,” claims McCracken. “We lucked into getting him and are fortunate he came here. He hits the ball extremely far. He works on his game instead of just his swing and isn’t super technical.”

Freshman Brandon Kida is another native talent, joining Utah from Layton High School. McCracken believes he is one of the best talents to come out of the state and sees the potential in Kida’s talent.

“Brandon has proven himself to be a great player in the Pac-12,” says McCracken. “He gets into a rhythm and the sky is the limit. His physical game is great and we will get his mental game solid.”

Freshman Jack Maerki comes to Utah from Brightwater, N.Y., and is yet another talent to exceed coaches’ expectations.

“We knew he was a good player, but thought he would need development,” admitted McCracken. “He surprised us. Our expectations were too low and we are extremely pleased with his game.”

As a freshman from Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Myles Sullivan has not received much exposure in the United States, but McCracken believes he will add to the Utes’ pool of talent over the next few seasons.

“Myles is an under-the-radar kind of guy,” McCracken says. “He is mechanically sound from top to bottom and his biggest adjustment will be playing at this level. He is a quiet kid but is extremely talented.”

Freshman Jonathon Thomas is the fourth local talent added to the Ute squad. McCracken hopes to develop the Syracuse High School graduate into a consistent player over the next few seasons.

“Jonathon hits the ball by far the longest of anyone on the team,” McCracken states. “He has good control overall on his game and knows how to use his athleticism. We need to improve his short game and he will be a great collegiate player in a short time.”

Although the Utes relied on a mostly senior team to carry them through the 2010-11 season, McCracken is looking forward to coaching this talented set of golfers and relying on them for a successful first year in the Pac-12.

The Utes are scheduled to compete in 10 tournaments this season before heading to the Pac-12 Championships in Corvallis, Ore., April 27-29. To tee off their spring season, Utah will participate in the Arizona Intercollegiate Invitational in Tucson, Ariz., Jan. 30-31, 2012.

Ben Bankhead Gentry Hicks

2011

-12

Prev

iew

2011

-12

Prev

iew

UTAHUTES.COM UTAHUTES.COM

2010-11: Redshirt.

2009-10: Stroke average was 81 … top finish was 49th place at the Utah Collegiate Shootout (84-77-161) where his second-round score was his low of the season … placed 69th in the Purple and Red Invitational (85-77-82-244).

2008-09: Did not compete.

Prior to Utah: Attended Judge Memorial Catholic High School ... lettered all four years in varsity golf ... won individual state and was on all-state team during senior year ... also played basketball and track … won a state championship in each sport.

Personal: Son of Tom Etzel and Vivian Fisher … born Dec. 15, 1989 in Salt Lake City … enjoys movies, hiking, and camping … majoring in accounting and information systems.

Stats

Season Stroke Average Best Score/Finish

2010-11 DNC DNC2009-10 81 161 (84-77)/ 49th

Andrew EtzelJr. • Salt Lake City, Utah • Judge Memorial Catholic H.S.

Casey HallidayJr. • Layton, Utah • Layton H.S.

Prior to Utah: Played last two seasons at Weber State … earned No. 1 spot for one semester, and was named to the All-Big West Conference Team … played four years of golf under Jim Gresh at Brighton High School … won region championships and went on to place sixth in the state championships … lettered all four years and was named first-team all-state his junior and senior years.

Personal: Son of Dana and Jana Halliday … born April 9, 1991 in Salt Lake City … one older brother, Tristan … majoring in graphic design … enjoys basketball, skiing, mountain biking, and climbing.

Mee

t the

Ute

s

Mee

t the

Ute

s

UTAHUTES.COM

Joe WebberJr. • Ogden, Utah • Alta H.S.

2010-11: Redshirt.

2009-10: Stroke average of 75.27 in 15 rounds during five tournaments … low rounds of 71 at the BYU Cougar Classic (71-72-71), where his first and third-round scores helped him achieve his top finish of tied for 10th … was named to the Mountain West Conference Academic All-Conference Team for the second consecutive year.

2008-09: Averaged 76.61 in 18 rounds ...played in six tournaments … low round of 70 at the Falcon Invitational 224 (76-70-78) … named to the MWC Academic All-Conference Team.

Prior to Utah: Attended Alta High School ... lettered four years in golf ... three-time all-state selection ... all-region for four years ... region II individual champion in 2007.

Personal: Born September 30, 1989 ... son of Steven and Jill Webber ... has three siblings, Aaron, Stevie, and Lexy ... business major.

Benjamin BankheadSo. • McKinney, Texas • McKinney Boyd H.S.

2010-11: Season-best score of 217 at the Ping Cougar Classic tied him for 19th … stroke average of 75.8 … season low round of 71 at the Wyoming Cowboy Classic and the Ping Cougar Classic.

Prior to Utah: Attended McKinney Boyd High School and graduated in the top 10 percent, ranked thirty-six out of six-hundred nine (36-609) … won the 4A-5A high school tournament, placing in the top 10 in six out of eight events … was first team all districts during freshman, junior, and senior years … played in the No. 1 position during junior and senior years … finished senior year with a 73.2 scoring average.

Personal: Son of Donis and Barefoot Bankhead … born May 11, 1992 in Chicago, Ill. … one sibling, Brooks Bankhead, currently plays golf at Mississippi State … major is undecided.

Mee

t the

Ute

s

Mee

t the

Ute

s

Stats

Season Stroke Average Best Score/Finish

2010-11 DNC DNC2009-10 76.61 214 (71-72-71)/T-10th

Stats

Season Stroke Average Top Score/Finish 2010-11 75.8 217 (71-75-71)/ T-19th

UTAHUTES.COM UTAHUTES.COM

Michael CoopmanFr. • Park City, Utah • Park City H.S.

Prior to Utah: Attended Park City High School …lettered all four years under coach George Murphy … individual state champion during his senior year … participated in three state championships with team as well as two region championships … was also an honor roll student.

Personal: Son of Mike and Denise Coopman … three siblings Brianna, Stephanie and Jacob … sister Brianna (22) plays golf at the University of Iowa … born Dec. 16, 2992 … enjoys golfing and snowboarding … major is undecided.

Daniel EngleSo. • Talent, Ore. • Oregon State

2010-11: Best performance was at the BYU Ping Cougar Classic, where an individual three-round mark of 215 (70-75-70) tied him for 11th … tallied a 76.5 swing average … played as an individual in three of six spring tournaments.

Prior to Utah: Redshirted during the 2009-10 season at Oregon State University … two-time conference champion in 2007 and 2009 for Phoenix High School in Phoenix, Ore. … was the 4A Oregon state-champion his senior year, winning by four shots and setting an Oregon high school record … four-time letter earner in golf and cross country, as well as one letter in track.

Personal: Son of Doug and Lonna Engle … born Feb. 3, 1991 in Medford, Ore. … three siblings, Nicole, Talia, and Adrienne … intends to major in business … was member of the National Honor Society at Phoenix High School.

Gentry HicksFr. • Oro Valley, Ariz. • Canyon Del Oro H.S.

Prior to Utah: Attended Canyon Del Oro High School … Arizona High School Golfer of the Year and first-team all-state in 2011 … won individual and team 4A state champion his senior year … second-team Southern Arizona in 2010 … lowest three-round mark during high school career was 204, six-under-par … played and lettered all four years … averaged .09 strokes under par his senior year … member of the National Honor Society and Principal’s Honor Roll.

Personal: Son of Jennifer and Murray Hicks … three siblings, Andy, Aubree and Chelsee … born Jan. 24, 1993 in Marana, Ariz. … father Murray played baseball for University of Arizona and was in the College World Series … enjoys golfing, basketball, flag football, hiking and horseshoes … majoring in physical education.

Mee

t the

Ute

s

Mee

t the

Ute

s

UTAHUTES.COM

Brandon KidaFr. • Layton, Utah • Layton H.S.

Prior to Utah: Attended Layton High School … placed third as an individual and team in the 2010 Utah 5A State Championships … finished first as an individual and fifth as a team in the 2009 Utah 5A State Championships and was also a Region I co-medalist … 2010 UHSAA Academic All-State and All-Region … medalist in five (of 10) high school tournaments … placed first in the 2010 US Jr. Amateur Championships as well as the Utah Golf Association 2010 Winterchamps … career stroke average of 68.1 and low round mark of 62 … lettered all three years in both golf and basketball and was team captain for both sports.

Personal: Son of Jeff and Cynthia Kida, both University of Utah alumni … two younger sisters, Kelsey and Cami … born August 2, 1992 in Layton, Utah … intends to major in business and finance.

Jack MaerkiFr. • Brightwaters, N.Y. • Bay Shore H.S.

Prior to Utah: Attended Bay Shore High School in Bay Shore, N.Y. … lettered five times and was also five-time most valuable player … was New York High School All State in 2011 … best career finish was eighth at the 2009 Carter Cup Invitational … he also reached the quarterfinals at the 2009 Met Junior Tournament … finished 13th at the Lessings American Junior Golf Association Classic.

Personal: Son of Craig and Linda Maerki … born May 18, 1993 in Bay Shore, N.Y. … two siblings, Kerry and Ian … father Craig is University of Utah alumnus and golf professional … major is undecided.

Myles SullivanFr. • Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada

Mee

t the

Ute

s

Mee

t the

Ute

s

UTAHUTES.COM UTAHUTES.COM

Date Tournament Team Scores Finish/Out of Top Ute/Score/Finish

Sept. 19-20 Falcon Invitational 308-309-306=923 T-17th/18 Derek Adams/225 (72-79-74)/T-49th

Sept. 27-28 Simpson Invitational 304-300-294=898 9th/14 Jeff Kitches/220 (73-73-74)/T-24th

Oct. 1-2 Tucker Invitational 304-300-305=909 11th/16 Mike Branca/220 (74-74-72)/12th

Oct. 11-12 Purple and Red Invitational 289-295-304=888 T-10th/16 Jeff Kitches/216 (72-74-70)/T-15th

Oct. 25-26 Wimberly Invitational 299-313-289=901 14th/15 Derek Adams/218 (76-74-68)/16th

Jan. 31- Feb.1 Arizona Intercollegiate 302-315-309=926 15th/16 Ben Bankhead/227 (74-78-75)/46th

Feb. 16-18 Burns Hawaii Intercollegiate 311-311-288=910 16th/17 Jeff Kitches/222 (75-76-71)/ T-46th

March 21-22 Arizona NIT 312-302-300=914 12th/15 Derek Adams/223 (76-77-70)/T-26th

March 24-25 Barona Cup 368-383-401=1152 14th/16 Ben Bankhead/225 (72-77-76)/T-32nd

April 4-5 Cowboy Classic 292-294-284=870 T-15th/20 Derek Adams/212 (70-72-70)/T-20th

April 15-16 BYU Cougar Classic 291-291-287=869 T-7th/18 Jeff Kitches/216 (73-72-71)/T-15th

May 5-7 MWC Championships 297-291-286=874 7th/9 Mike Branca/214 (76-72-66)/T-13th

The University of Utah golf team was lead by its most experienced seniors, Jeff Kitches, Derek Adams, Mike Branca, and Chase Hite. However, fresh young talent Ben Bankhead also contributed the overall successful season.

Kitches led the Utes through their top three finishes of the season. The Utes saw their season best at the 2011 Ping Cougar Classic, its last tournament of the season, in Provo, Utah. The squad posted a team-best performance of 869 (291-291-287), earning them a season-best finish tied for seventh. Kitches also posted his best finish of the season in the individual rankings, shooting an even-with-par 216 (73-72-71) to tie for 15th.

Kitches led the squad once again at the Mark Simpson Colorado Invitational in Erie, Colo., where the Utes saw a 9th-place finish, their second-highest rank of the year. Kitches tied for 24th with a final score of 220 (73-73-74).

The squad swung a mark of 885 (297-290-298) at the Purple and Red Invitational, the team’s solo home tournament of the season, to tie for 10th. Kitches tied for 15th with a mark of 216 (72-74-70).

Adams’ efforts also led the Utes to several successful tournament finishes, including a 12th-place finish at the Arizona National Invitational Tournament in Tucson, Ariz. Adams led the team, tying for 26th with a mark of 223 (76-77-70) while the squad posted a final score of 914 (312-302-300).

Adams also led the Utes at the University of Wyoming Classic in Scottsdale, Ariz, swinging a two-over-par score of 212 (70-72-70) to tie for 20th. The Utes saw a season-low score of 284 during the third round of the tournament, which helped earn them a 15th-place finish and a final score of 870 (292-294-284).

Branca led the Utes at the New Mexico William H. Tucker Invitational in Albuquerque, N.M., tying for 12th after posting a score of 220 (74-74-72). Utah earned an 11th-place finish with a final mark of 909 (304-300-305).

Bankhead’s efforts led the Utes through two tournaments, including his season-best performance at the San Diego State Barona Cup in San Diego, Calif. A mark of 225 (72-77-76) tied the freshman for 32nd, while the team tied for 14th with a final score of 1152 (368-383-401). Bankhead was also the top performer at the Arizona Intercollegiate in Tucson, Ariz., where he swung a 227 (74-78-75) to tie for 46th. The team posed a mark of 926 (302-315-309), which tied them for 15th.

Utah wrapped up their season at the Mountain West Conference Championships in Tucson, Ariz., earning a seventh-place finish with a score of 874 (297-291-286), while Branca and Bankhead earned top-20 finishes. Branca tied for 13th with a one-over-par mark of 214 (76-72-66) and Bankhead tied for 15th with a score of 215 (74-78-75).

Returner Ben Bankhead led Utah in two meets last season, the Arizona Intercollegiate and the Barona Cup.

2010-11 Results

Jonathon ThomasFr. • West Point, Utah • Syracuse H.S.

Prior to Utah: Attended Syracuse High School … lettered all four years … had a scoring average of 70.2 during his senior year … first-team all-state selection … was on the 5A High School State championship team in 2009 … participated in the Antigua US High School National Tournament and posted a low round of 63 … played in the US Jr. America’s Cup in 2010 … played as a US Jr. Amateur in 2010 … was also a pitcher on the baseball team.

Personal: Son of Steven and Carmen Thomas … two brothers, Chris and Matt … born Dec. 30, 1992 in Sacramento, Calif. … major is undecided.

Mee

t the

Ute

s

Mee

t the

Ute

s