ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State freshman Roberto Cacho, facing a tough course setup Sunday at the 23rd PGA National Minority Collegiate Golf Championship, managed only an even-par 72 Sunday, his higher round of the event, for a 54-hole total of (68-63-72) 203, but it was good enough for medalist honors in the men's Division I standings.
Cacho, who had nine birdies and a round of nine-under-par on Saturday, edged Texas-Pan America's Armen Kirakossian by one stroke for the title in his first year of participation in the tournament. Kirakossian had a one-under par 71 Sunday for a 54-hole total of (67-66-71) 204.
Cacho's triumph marks the first time an SC State golfer has captured medalist honors since Martin Roache won the second of two straight trophies in 1991, when the Bulldogs finished second to Jackson State.
The Morales, Mexico native was elated to win the prestigious individual trophy.
“It's amazing,” Cacho said. “I played really well throughout the week. My personal goal coming in was to be in contention Sunday with a chance to win. I wanted to play well, and it's great to wind up winning it.
Cacho, after his nine-birdie round on Saturday, had just three birdies and survived a bogey and a double-bogey to earn the top trophy.
“The course setup on Sunday was much more difficult,” he said. The pins were mostly in the back of the greens and it was hard to get close, but I somehow managed par and a one-stroke victory.”
Bulldog Head Coach Herman Belton called Cacho's performance outstanding.
“Roberto was simply outstanding the entire tournament,” said Belton. “It's truly a pleasure to have a great student and outstanding player on your team. He is a solid player, talented, discipline and poised. He has a bright future ahead of him.”
SC State finished in a tie for 5th in the team competition after a three-day total of 301-293-298) 892.
Tennessee State had a 36-hole total of (288-290-282) 860 for a one-stroke victory over defending champion Bethune-Cookman who was at (287-281-293) 861. Texas-Pan America was third at (291-292-296) 879, followed by Florida A&M at (301-298-290) 889, followed by the Bulldogs and North Carolina Central (296-294-302), both at 892.
Following Cacho for Belton's team were Hector Arroyave at (78-71-73) 222, Alejandro Bernardini at (76-80-74) 230, Robert Biggers at (79-79-79) 237 and Byron Bush at (85-99-85) at 269.
The event completes the 2009 season for Belton and his team.
--30--
