April 9, 2004

Opelika, AL - Memphis junior Allan Thomas shot a two-under par 70 in the opening round of the 2004 Billy Hitchcock Invitational and is currently tied for fifth place, three shots behind the individual leader, Nick Mackay.

Mackay of Jacksonville State University leads all individuals after shooting a five under par 67 in the opening round.

Mackay's Jacksonville State team is also in first place after the first 18-holes of competition. JSU posted a seven-under par total of 281 over the Saugahatchee Country Club course. Host team Auburn is second with a score of 284, while Florida State is third with a 286. Memphis is in eighth place with a score of 293.

Memphis freshman Lewis Clarke is tied for 16th after shooting an even par 72 on the first day. Senior Alan Weant is in with a 75, while Clayton Ellis is tied for 45th with a 76.

MEMPHIS INDIVIDUAL SCORES T5 Allan Thomas 70 T16 Lewis Clarke 72 T40 Alan Weant 75 T45 Clayton Ellis 76 T52 David Jeans 77

TEAM SCORES 1. Jacksonville State 281 2. Auburn 284 3. Florida State 286 4. Southeastern Louisiana 288 5. UAB 289 Texas A&M 289 7. Charleston 291 8. Memphis 293 9. South Alabama 294 10. Ole Miss 295 11. Georgia State 299 12. Mississippi State 305