May 17, 2002

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Kansas State sophomore Aaron Watkins shot a one-over-par 72 Friday for a two-round total of 151 to move up 13 spots into a 17-player tie for 83rd place after a near complete second round of the NCAA Central Regional Golf Championships at the par-72, 7,103-yard Pleasant Valley Country Club.

The Meza, Ariz. native, entered the second round in 96th place after shooting a 6-over-par 78 on Thursday. Watkins was one of several to get in a full round in on Friday, while several teams will need to finish their second rounds early Saturday morning.

Heavy thunderstorms moved through the Little Rock area Friday morning, and the players were called off the course at 8:42 a.m. Play resumed at 11:30 a.m., pushing back Thursday's afternoon tee times. At 6:08 p.m., the air horns were again sounded, summoning players from the course once again. Less than one minute later, heavy rains drenched the players and spectators coming in from the course and play was delayed until 6:45 p.m.

Big 12 runner-up Oklahoma State shot a second-round 281 to remain in first place after two nearly-complete rounds. The Cowboys shot 287 on Friday to end up at eight-under 568 after two rounds. A stroke behind the Cowboys is Purdue with Oklahoma (577) and Baylor (578) in third and fourth. In the individual race, Purdue holds down the top two spots. After finishing fifth after the first round, the Boilermaker's Lee Williamson is 5-under-par with a 137. He is one shot ahead of teammate Chris Mayson, who fired 7-under-par today for a 138.

Ten teams and two individuals from the Central Regional will advance to the championship finals on May 29-June 1 at Ohio State University's Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio.

For complete results of NCAA Division I Championships, please visit the NCAA Championship web site at www.ncaachampionships.com.