Sept. 17, 2001

BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. - Freshman Bradley Farmer shot an even-par 72 in his first collegiate event to help Samford University's men's golf team to fourth place after the first round of the Gulf Coast Collegiate Classic at The Bridges golf course.

Farmer used a solid short game to lead the Bulldogs, his 72 placing him in a tie for sixth and five strokes behind New Orleans' Kevin Maxwell. Maxwell fired an incredible 28 on the back nine, including eight birdies and a par, to become the first-round leader with a 67. Senior Russell Kelly played second for Samford with a two-over par 74, followed by fellow senior Mike Clements with a 76 and sophomore Andy McRae (77). Clements and McRae finished strong, recording birdies on two of their last three holes.

As a team the Bulldogs finished in a tie for fourth place with Tennessee State at 299 and seven strokes behind the leader Louisiana Tech (292). UTC shot 294 to place second and New Orleans fired 296 for third.

"I am very pleased with the position we occupy after the first round of the semester," said assistant men's coach Ian Thompson. "Bradley Farmer exhibited a magnificent short game today that our guys can certainly take a cue from. We scrambled around at times but showed a great deal of fighting spirit on a fairly demanding course that presents some sort of trouble on every hole. We look forward to putting up a good number that could perhaps could place us in contention at the end of 36 holes."

The Bulldogs tee off around 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday.