July 1, 2008

LEWISTON, N.Y. - Sophomore-to-be Chris Stoddard became the second St. Bonaventure golfer in as many years to qualify for the prestigious Porter Cup on Monday afternoon at Niagara Falls Country Club (NFCC).

Stoddard conquered the 6,621-yard par 70 course by shooting a one-under par 69, good for a four-way tie for third place among the 89 participants. The Southwestern High School product is one of six players who qualified for the tournament on Monday.

"Just to qualify is something," Stoddard said. "Playing in the tournament last year helped. This year I came out relaxed and there was no pressure. It's exciting."

The 50th Annual Porter Cup commences on July 22-26 back at NFCC.

Stoddard enjoyed a solid freshman campaign with the Brown and White this past season. The Jamestown, N.Y., native was twice named the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week. Stoddard played every round of every tournament in the fall and spring, finishing with a 75.9 stroke average over 26 rounds. He finished in the top 10 in two tournaments and top 20 in four times. 2008 St. Bonaventure graduate Ryan Swanson qualified for the Porter Cup last summer.

One of the premiere amateur events in the country, the Porter Cup's previous champions include: David Duval (1992), Phil Mickelson (1990), Scott Verplank (1983 & 85) and Ben Crenshaw (1972).