For the first time in 20 years, the Knox men's golf team will be participating in the NCAA Division III Championships. The Prairie Fire qualified for the event after winning the Midwest Conference Championship to earn an automatic berth. Knox last qualified as a team for nationals in 1988, when the team placed 18th in the country. The MWC has only earned an automatic berth the last two seasons.

"We're excited. This is a fantastic opportunity and it's huge for our golf program," said Knox head coach C.J. Rugh. "We are looking forward to representing Knox College on a national stage. There are so many other Knox teams that should have made nationals over the years, and we are going to represent them as well."

The 2008 Championships run from May 13-16 on the Woodlands and Chateau Courses at the Chateau Elan Resort in Braselton, Georgia. Emory University and the Gwinnett Sports Commission are co-hosting the event. Thirty-five teams and 180 individuals will compete.

The Prairie Fire will travel to the site Saturday, May 10, and play practice rounds on Sunday and Monday. The first round of the tournament begins at 7:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday, May 13. The field is cut down after the second round to the top 23 teams and five individuals, who will play the final two rounds on Thursday and Friday, May 15-16.

Senior David Marquardt, from Bloomington, Illinois (Bloomington HS), coming off his individual Midwest Conference championship, will lead the Prairie Fire. He will be joined by fellow senior Arjun Rao, from Chennai T.N., India (Sishya HS); sophomore Kevin Foerster, from Woodstock, Illinois (Woodstock HS); sophomore Taylor Mueller, from Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin (Gibraltar HS); and freshman Kevin Morris, from Belvidere, Illinois (Harlem HS).

Back in 1988 at the National Championships, Jim Ramsey, the team MVP that season, led Knox with a three-round total of 239 (81-76-82). Brian Hall finished a shot behind Ramsey with a 240 (77-78-85). Greg Bradley shot a 243 (81-88-74), Bill Rieckhoff carded a 246 (77-77-92), and Andy Facer finished with a 273 (89-89-95).

For more information on the 2008 NCAA Division III Men's Golf Championships, visit the official championship website.