May 7, 2002

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Sophomore Aaron Watkins has been selected to play in the 2002 NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championships. Watkins is the first Wildcat golfer to be selected for the championship since Scott Hovis in 1995.

Watkins will participate in the Central Regional played at the Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, Ark., on May 16-18. A total of 27 teams and six individuals were selected for each regional competition with 10 teams and two individuals advancing from each regional to the championship finals on May 29-June 1 at Ohio State University's Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio.

Watkins has been a leader for the Wildcats throughout the season, claiming the top finish for the team in four events. One of these showings came at the Big 12 Championships, where the Mesa, Ariz., native tied for sixth, the best finish by a Wildcat in the history of the Big 12 tournament. Watkins also posted the lowest three-round total ever by a Wildcat at the Baylor Intercollegiate (10/29-30/01) when he fired a 75-66-69=210. His second-round 66 in the event was a career-low round that put him in second place on K-State's all-time low-round list.

"I think Aaron has an excellent shot of making it to Columbus," head coach Tim Norris said. "If he plays his game and plays smart, there's no doubt in my mind he can make the finals. Aaron has the ability and the character to compete at this level, and he showed it at the Big 12 Championships."

For more information on the NCAA Divison I Championships and a complete list of qualifying teams and individuals, please visit the NCAA Championship web site at www.ncaachampionships.com.