COLUMBUS – Justin Collins is adjusting quite well, thank you.

Sunday, March 12, 2000

COLUMBUS – Justin Collins is adjusting quite well, thank you.The Ohio State Buckeyes freshman golfer, is picking up in college where he left off in high school.

The four-time All-Ohio first teamer for the Ironton Fighting Tigers had the best tournament of his young career at the Matlock Invitational in Lakeland, Fla.

Collins led Ohio State with a 218 total and placed ninth overall in the individual standings. Collins shot rounds of 72, 73, and 72 for a 2-over par.

The Buckeyes were fifth as a team with an 884 total tying Valdosta State and Mississippi. Florida State was first at 874, Duke third at 876, Georgia State 880, and Memphis 882.

Collins played well at the Gator Invitational on Feb. 12 in Gainesville, Fla.

Collins fired a career-best 68 the first round and followed with a solid 71 the second day for a 139 total which tied him for 18th place overall and led the Buckeyes.

But he struggled with a 78 the final day to finish with a 217 score and tied for 40th place overall.

OSU finished 10th as a team with an 857 score. Florida had an 815 to win the tournament followed by Augusta State (834), North Florida (839), and LSU (840).

Ohio State plays at the Marshall University Invitational Friday and Saturday, April 7-8. On hand will be two of Collins’ teammates on the Ironton state championship teams, Ryan Hurley at Louisville and Ryan Lilly at Cincinnati.

Collins was the state medalist once and runner-up twice. Ironton won three state titles and finished second during his four-year career at Ironton.