Minnesota, which won the 1997 title, rallied to withstand an early challenge from Virginia and captured the 2001 USGA State Team Championship by two strokes at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn.

For the first time in the history of the championship, both the men's and women's titles were won by the same state. It was also the first time the home state teams won in either championship.

The home state team finished the 54-hole championship at even-par 432. The leader was John Harris, 49, of Minneapolis, the elder statesman of the team, who shot 1-under-par 71 on the final day. Harris was also a member of the 1997 championship team.

John Carlson, 22, of Bagley, tallied a 2-over-par 74 for Minnesota's final day total of 145. Jered Busso, 22, of Savage, shot a 3-over-par 75, which did not count in the team standings.

"It's very special," Harris said of adding a second State Team Championship to his already distinguished career that includes the 1993 U.S. Amateur championship and four Walker Cup appearances. "I am proud to play for Minnesota."

The younger Minnesotans looked to Harris for leadership and he provided it.

"He said, "You've got it in you. We're all here for each other," Carlson said. "Just by that inspiration, knowing that he was caring about us, that's what I drew from."

After nine holes, Minnesota needed inspiration. Thorough the front nine on the final day, Virginia had improved its position by five strokes to lead by two with David Passerell of Scottsville posting a 2-under-par 34 and Keith Decker of Martinsville adding a 1-under-par 35. Faber Jamerson of Appomattox posted an even-par 36. Minnesota's best counter was an even-par 36 from Harris and a 2-over-par 38 from Carlson.

However, on the final nine holes of the 6,818-yard layout, Virginia saw its title hopes fade. Decker, who three-putted the last three greens, shot 4-over 76; Passerell logged a 2-under 70 and Jamerson added a 2-over 74. Their two-man score of 144 was not enough to overcome Minnesota's lead as they posted a 2-over-par 434. Wisconsin finished third at 435, three strokes back. Arkansas and New Jersey tied four fourth, four strokes back at 436.

"We were playing well after nine holes and David played well all day," said Decker. "I folded like a cheap suit and Faber last a couple coming in too. We couldn't get it in the hole and the harder we tried the worse it got. Minnesota played well. They did a great job."

The Virginians began the last day at 2-over 290, three strokes behind Minnesota, which had a pair of 2-under 70s by Busso and Carlson to claim the lead. In the spring, they had completed their college eligibility at Methodist College and the University of Wisconsin, respectively.

On the first day of play, Virginia took the lead fueled by a 2-under-par 70 from Decker and an even-par 72 from Jamerson. They held a two-stroke edge over Kansas and Oregon after the championship's toughest weather conditions, which were blustery, damp and raw.

From a historical standpoint, Virginia won the championship in 1995, finished tied for fifth in 1997 and tied with Minnesota for second in 1999. They are the only team to finish in the top five in all four championships.

Fifty-two, teams from all 50 states and Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, entered, the most in the four time the championship has been contested.