Norris Announces Four-Man Signing Class

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Kansas State men's golf coach Tim Norris announced the signing of Thomas Birdsey, David Klaudt, Tyler Norris and Jack Watson to National Letters of Intent (NLI) for the 2010-11 season.

Birdsey is a senior at South Lake Carroll High School and currently resides in Trophy Club, Texas. Birdsey is the son of former Kansas State punter Don Birdsey who played for the Wildcats from 1977-80 and still holds the K-State record for career yardage at 11,422.

"Thomas is very highly ranked nationally," Norris said. "He qualified for the U.S. Amateur the summer before his senior year in high school and did so by beating a former Texas Tech golfer and a former Texas golfer in a four-hole playoff. He is very structured and has everything well thought out. This guy is a cut above in his commitment to the game."

Klaudt is from Dallas, Texas, and is a senior at Cistercian Preparatory School. Klaudt tied for first place at the Desert Junior Golf Tour Classic at the Golf Club of Estrella. Klaudt also took third place at the 2009 Dallas City Golf Championship.

"David is a very accomplished player," Norris said. "He flights the ball well so there won't be much of an adjustment for him coming out to play at Colbert Hills. David has his best golf in front of him and has already had some very competitive finishes. He is also an Eagle Scout, which tells you something about his work ethic and commitment to seeing a project through."

Watson is from Lincolnshire, Ill., and is a senior at Carmel Catholic High School. A four-year letter winner, Watson was the 2009 East Suburban Catholic Conference Player of the Year. Watson led his high school team to its first conference championship and first state finals appearance in over 25 years.

"Jack comes from a good solid golf background up there in Chicago," Norris said. "He plays on one of the best courses in the area, Conway Farms, and when you play a course like that day in and day out, it can really help your game. He had a very successful high school season last year setting many records and helping his team to the state tournament. His game is very well rounded so he can play just about anywhere."

Tyler Norris is the only signee in the 2010-11 class from Kansas. Norris is from Manhattan, Kan., and is the son of Kansas State men's golf coach Tim Norris and Shelley Norris. Tyler is a two year letter winner for Manhattan High School and finished seventh at the 2008 Kansas 6A State Championship. He also was the 2009 OJGT Tee Town Challenge Champion.

"Tyler has a passion for the game," Norris said. "A good thing about Tyler is that he has grown up around the guys. He has been able to see how the players act, how the successful ones have handled themselves, and how the guys that are struggling get out of it. He wants to work hard and his passion has been to play golf here at K-State."