July 9, 2008

FORT WORTH, TX:  Texas Wesleyan University’s Paco Saracho was the medalist at the Dallas sectional qualifier earning a spot in next week’s U.S. Amateur Public Links at Murphy Creek Golf Course in Aurora, CO.

In the qualifier at Tenison Highlands Saracho shot five-under par 139 (68-71) to win by three strokes.  The win gave Saracho one of two available qualifying positions.  The second went to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Brian Whittle who shot two-under 142.

Saracho is the first Ram to qualify for the U.S. Public Links since Texas Wesleyan’s Will Woodring and Justin Smith earned spots in the 2005 tournament.

Saracho will be a senior in the upcoming 2008-09 school year.  The Guadalajara, Mexico, native was a 3^rd-team NAIA All-American in his junior season after posting a scoring average of 74.84 with four top-five finishes.  Saracho is also the defending collegiate champion at the Fort Worth City Open.

“We are very proud of Paco,” commented head coach Kevin Millikan.  “He has been playing great golf this summer, and I think he will have a strong showing next week.”

The U.S. Amateur Public Links will be played July 14-19, at Murphy Creek Golf Course in Aurora, CO.