The time has come. After succeeding in regional competition, the Penn State men's golf team will compete today through Sunday in the 2003 Big Ten Championships, which will be held at the par-71 Indiana University Golf Course in Bloomington, Ind.

The first two rounds will be held today, with the third and fourth rounds coming tomorrow and Sunday.

Coming off a victory at the Rutherford Intercollegiate, Penn State is finally in full stride after a slow start.

"We are hoping that we have the energy and show the discipline necessary to perform well at Big Tens," Penn State men's golf coach Greg Nye said. "I hope that the Rutherford will have served as a catalyst for us in future competition."

The lineup will consist of Jim "Jimbo" Fuller, Greg Pieczynski, Andrew Price and Ted Neville, with the fifth spot still open at this point. Mark Leon is battling a back injury and may be replaced by Jonas Hyden or Jason Totin.

The Big Ten Championships proved to be a challenge for Penn State last season, when the Nittany Lions finished in 10th place. With solid performances thus far, Penn State will have a legitimate shot at regaining some conference pride.

-- By Dan Good