Erie, Colo. (Sept. 24, 2018) --  A balanced performance by the Wyoming men's golf team on Monday has the Cowboys in seventh place in the field of 16 teams after the first 36 holes of the Mark Simpson Colorado Invitational.  Wyoming concluded the first day with a team score of 17-over par 593.  Host Colorado leads the tournament at eight-under par 568.
 
Wyoming freshman Kirby Coe-Kirkham led the way for the Pokes with a two-over par score of 146 through the first two rounds and is tied for 17th place.  He was followed closely by junior Dan Starzinski at three-over 147, placing him in a tie for 20th.  Senior John Murdock is at six-over 150 (Tie 40th).  Freshman Tyler Severin posted a nine-over par round of 153 (Tie 63rd), and sophomore Carl Underwood finished the day at 11-over, 155 (Tie 73rd).
 
Two other Cowboys are competing as individuals.  Freshman Jimmy Dales will enter the final round at eight-over par 152 (Tie 54th) and redshirt freshman Jared Edeen posted an 11-over par total of 155 (Tie 73rd).
 
"I liked the consistency that was shown by both Kirby (Coe-Kirkham) and Dan (Starzinski)," said Joe Jensen, Wyoming Director of Golf and Head Coach.  "Kirby played well both rounds with a 72 in the morning and a 74 in the afternoon.  Dan continued his strong start to the season, shooting rounds of 73 and 74. 
 
"It was windy in the afternoon, so the scores went up some due to the conditions, but I was pleased with the rounds by our freshmen in the afternoon.  Jared Edeen had a good round in the afternoon, with a 75, and Jimmy Dales shot a 76 in the afternoon.
 
"John (Murdock) started the tournament with our low round of the day (a one-under round of 71), but he had a couple big numbers in the afternoon and finished with a 79 in the second round.  John is very good player, but he just hasn't been able to put together a complete tournament yet this season. 
 
"Tomorrow, we want to focus on us.  Have a good third round and see if we can move up some spots."
 
Wyoming is within seven strokes of fourth place entering the final round on Tuesday.  California Baptist (592, +16) is one stroke ahead of the Pokes in sixth place.  Grand Canyon is in fifth at 588 (+12) five strokes ahead of Wyoming, and Houston Baptist sits  in fourth place at 586 (+10), seven strokes ahead of the Cowboys.
 
The top three teams include tournament leader Colorado (568, -8), second-place Utah (571, -5) and third-place Cal State Fullerton (582, +6).
 
There is a three-way tie for first place in the individual competition.  Kyler Dunkle of Utah, Daniel O'Loughlin of Colorado and Trevor Olkowski of Colorado are all tied at five-under par 139.  
 
The tournament is being played at Colorado National Golf Club in Erie, Colo.  The course measures 7,676 yards and plays to a par of 72.
 
Tuesday's team times are scheduled for 7:55 and 8:15 a.m, Mountain Time.
 
Team Standings
1.   Colorado                             279-289=568 -8
2.   Utah                                   279-292=571 -5
3.   Cal State Fullerton               292-290=582 +6
4.   Houston Baptist                   292-294=586 +10
5.   Grand Canyon                     292-296=588 +12
6.   California Baptist                 288-304=592 +16
7.   Wyoming                            289-304=593 +17
8.   Utah Valley                         286-311=597 +21
9.   UC Riverside                        298-300=598 +22
10.  Utah State                           296-308=604 +28
11. Pacific                                 295-311=606 +30
12. Gonzaga                             296-311=607 +31
13. Northern Colorado              296-314=610 +34
T14. Cal State Northridge          303-308=611 +35
T14. Southern Utah                   304-307=611 +35
16. Stephen F. Austin                310-312=622 +46   
 
Wyoming Cowboys
T17 Kirby Coe-Kirkham              72-74=146 +2
T20 Dan Starzinksi                     73-74=147 +3
T40 John Murdock                     71-79=150 +6
T63 Tyler Severin                       73-80=153 +9
T73 Carl Underwood                 78-77=155 +11
 
Wyoming Cowboys Playing as Individuals
T54 Jimmy Dales                        76-76=152 +8
T73 Jared Edeen                        80-75=155 +11