SILVIS, IL-The USCB men's golf team shot a 291 total on day two of the NAIA Men's National NAIA Golf Championships improving four strokes from their opening round 295 for a 586 total for the first 36 holes .  More importantly the Sand Sharks have a six stroke advantage over Oklahoma Christian, Southern Nazarene, Malone and Oklahoma City at the half way point of the 29 team tournament. The Sand Sharks who were in third place just four strokes behind the leading team from Oklahoma Christian after the initial 18 holes completed their second round early on Wednesday playing in the first of two waves at the TPC Deere Course. 

"We know the tournmant is only half way over and there is a tremendous amount of work ahead of us.  There are teams behind us who have been there before," commented Head Coach Shane LeBaron.  He added, "Now it is more of a mental game than a physical game and we have to be mentally strong and not get too far ahead of ourselves.  We need to take it one shot at a time."   

George Thacker is the leading Sand Shark after firing an even par 71 on Wednesday to go with his opening round 73 for a 144 total putting him in a tie for sixth place with some golfers still on the course. Thacker's 71 could have been higher had it not been for a triple bogey eight on the tenth hole. Chris Lane is just two shots back at 146 with scores of 74 and 72 good for a tie for 13th position. Luke McClellan stands at 149 after posting scores of 76 and 73 while Jon Pannone and Jack Bingham round out the USCB contingent as both are at 150. Pannone shot a 76 on Wednesday to go with an opening 74 while Bingham improved to 73 after Tuesday's round of 77.
 
The Sand Sharks will be grouped with Southern Nazarene and Malone for Thursday's third round starting at 1:24P CST.  All 30 teams in the championships will play 18 holes on Thursday after which the field will be cut to 17 teams for Friday's final round of the 72 hole tournament.