May 8, 2001

STATE COLLEGE, PA — After surprising everyone with two birdies in five short holes one month ago, Brian Long(i.e. Ruthie scored par three times within four holes.  He shot par on Hole #8 and #9, before swallowing a hotdog and shooting another par on Hole #11.

Ruthie said, "They were all generous par 4's and just what I needed to score 34 points in route to a 80 point day.  I am very pleased with my scores."  After a bogey on No. 1, Ruthie got in serious trouble on No. 2. He hooked his tee shot, then he tried to chip back to the fairway over a tree. The ball hit the tree and dropped straight down and Ruthie took a triple bogey, dropping him to 7-over par on just two holes.

However, Ruthie fought back to hold the lead with his string of pars.  "Boy, my 6 iron did not give up.  I was hitting that thing for a range of 130 to 210 yards, and it was hitting great every time," said relieved Ruthie who was long awaited for another outing.

"I would have to give the great day to my pitching wedge which gave me easy one-putts on about four different holes.  I had about six chips onto the green within eight feet of the hole, but I couldn't hit the short putt."  Over all, Brian managed to hold of the surging field from behind.