Sept. 16, 2003

MEMPHIS-Ferenc Bekesi, a senior distance runner from Budaest, Hungary on the Men's Track & Field and Cross Country team has decided to leave the team and return to Hungary.

Bekesi, a fifth year senior, was cleared by the NCAA to compete in cross country this fall, but chose to return to Hungary instead and complete his computer science degree program in Budapest.

"He was really training well and was in very good shape, but he decided it was time to return home and start focusing on other things in his life," said Memphis Track and Cross Country Coach Glenn Hays. "I wish him the best of luck."

Bekesi transferred from Baylor University to Memphis last spring. He immediately became one of the Tigers top runners qualifying for the NCAA Mid-Eastern Regional in the 1500m last year. He was to be one of Memphis's top cross country runners this fall.