April 27, 2007

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - University of Memphis sophomore golfer Brad Benjamin earned academic honors for his success on the golf course, and his stellar performance in the classroom. The sophomore was one of five golfers named to the Conference USA All-Academic team Friday.

Benjamin earned his first conference academic honor after being nominated by the university. The Conference USA sports information representatives then had to vote for five golfers out of the conference to receive the honor. Benjamin is working towards a bachelor's degree in management. He is a three-time member of the Tiger 3.0 Club, was a member of the Tiger Academic 30 for three semesters and was a two-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll. The sophomore is a two-time Conference USA Academic Medal winner and has been a member of the Dean's List for three semesters.

So far this season, Benjamin has posted two Top-20 finishes and was named the Conference USA Golfer of the Week on April 10 after winning medalist honors at the Palisades Collegiate Classic. He holds the lowest stroke average on the team with a 74.00. As a freshman, Benjamin was a member of the 2006 Conference USA All-Tournament Team, after placing third at the conference tournament.

The Rockford, Ill., native is the only sophomore on the academic team. The remaining members of the team are all seniors. Tulsa had the most members on the team with three. Joining Benjamin on the team are Mitch Cohlmia, Sam Korbe and Brett Myers, all of Tulsa, and Colby Lindsay of UTEP.

The Tigers are on their way to the conference championships, which will take place in Texarkana, Ark. The conference tournament is scheduled for April 28-30.