One thing is for certain. NIU men’s golf coach Jack Pheanis is an optimist.

Moving up one notch from the second day in the team standings at the Central Florida Citrus Classic was enough to convince the Huskie coach his team will survive. NIU finished eighth among the 12 teams competing in the three-day, 54-hole meet after having been co-champion a year ago.

“I’ve said it before, we’re a young team that simply lacks experience,” Pheanis said. “The kids are gradually getting better. I can see it coming and I feel very good about this group. Before the season’s over, we’ll surprise some people.”

A year ago, when NIU’s plane did not allow for another playoff round, the Huskies brought home the tourney trophy based nn a coin flip with Central Florida. This year, Jacksonville emerged from a two-hole playoff as the tourney champion after host Central Florida again had tied for the title. NIU moved from ninth to eighth with a 944.

NIU was led by senior Tim Giger, who posted a 234 scorecard from 18-hole rounds of 77-80-77. Charlie Sloan added a 238, while both Chad Behrends and Derrick Strand carded 239s. Jeff Mory finished at 245.