COLUMBUS – Going down helped Justin Collins move up.

Tuesday, November 20, 2001

COLUMBUS – Going down helped Justin Collins move up.

Collins lowered his scores in each round at the Aztec Invitational last weekend and moved up to No. 12 in the NCAA individual rankings.

Collins, a junior tri-captain, shot a 74 in the first round, then bounced back with a 68 the second day and fired a 7-under 65 the third day for a 9-under par 207 total. His efforts left him tied for second with Chris Baryla of Texas-El Paso.

Nick Watney of Fresno State took individual medalist honors with a10-under 206.

His efforts helped Ohio State win the Aztec Invitational by one stroke over the host San Diego State, 836-to-837.

Collins was a four-time All-Ohio first team golfer for the Ironton Fighting Tigers. He led them to three state titles and one runner-up.

It was the Buckeyes first team tournament win since taking the Kepler Invitational last April at Ohio State.

The tournament was the final of the fall for the Buckeyes who finished among the top five in all four tournaments.

Ohio State will play six spring tournaments before the Big Ten championship to be held May 3-5 in Iowa City, Iowa.

The NCAA Central Regional Tournament will be played May 16-18 in Little Rock, Ark., and Ohio State will host the men’s NCAA championships May 27 to June 1.