ST. GEORGE –Kyle Chappell shot an opening round of 69 to help lead the Dixie State College men’s golf team to a one stroke lead at the Pat Hick Thunderbird Invite at Sunbrook Golf Course on the Pointe and Blackrock nines.

The Red Storm is playing in their first event of the spring season, opened with a 285 (three under par), one of only two teams under par in the first round. Utah Valley is one stroke off the lead with a 286.

Head Coach Reed McArthur said. “I am excited about how we are playing this early in the spring. We had great weather and great atmosphere today. The players did a nice job keeping their composure in some critical situations.”

Kyle Chappell () is in fourth place with is first round 69 (35-34). Nick Drost (Salt Lake City, UT/Brighton HS) was one under par with a 71 (37-34). Conner Jones (South Jordan. UT/Bingham HS) shot an even par 72 (35-37), Taylor Reardon (Las Vegas. NV/Centennial HS) carded a 73 (36-37) and Chad Crowther (South Jordan. UT/Bingham HS) finished with a 75 (36-39).

McArthur continued, “I told the team that this is a good test for our season and will help us in the PacWest Tournament in April.”

Dixie State will host the PacWest Championships April 17-19 at Sunbrook Golf Course.

Leading the tournament is Mason Casper (34-33) from Utah Valley and Benjamin Schilleman (33-34) from Utah State University. They both carded open rounds of 67 (5 under).

Last years champion College of Charleston shot a 288 and is in third place overall.