Sept. 5, 2003

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - Along with 15 other teams, the Southeast Missouri State golf team will kick-off the 2003-2004 season next week by hosting the Harris Fall Classic at Bent Creek Golf Course in Jackson, Missouri. The collegiate golf season officially gets underway on Monday, September 7.

Tee times are set for 7:30 a.m. on both Monday and Tuesday, although the way play will begin on each day will differ. On Monday, each team will begin play at the same time, but on a different hole, which is referred to as a shotgun start. Tuesday, teams will be given a specific tee time. Admission into the tournament both days is free.

Host schools can field two teams of five if they choose so, which Southeast has elected to do. Every other school can only field one team of five. Coach Williams hasn't decided on a set roster for either group of players. The first group will be comprised of Southeast's top talent.

"The rain has really screwed us up as far as playing qualifying rounds," Williams said, "but Hillis and Phillips are playing really good right now."

Williams said he expects competition from Murray and Tennessee State, as well as Tennessee Tech and Southern Illinois.

Other teams amongst the field of 16 include Eastern Illinois, Western Illinois, Lewis, St. Louis, Morehead State, Chicago State, Samford and Bradley Universities, as well as the Universities of Tennessee-Martin, Evansville and Missouri-Kansas City.

Three teams in the OVC, which include Jacksonville State, Eastern Kentucky and defending OVC golf champions Austin Peay, will not be making the trip to Southeast.