For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director, (956) 381-2240

DREW SCOTT NAMED UTPA HEAD MEN'S GOLF COACH

EDINBURG, TX-A former Rice University star golfer who's been successful as a player almost since he picked up a golf club and has played on the professional level hopes to transfer his success to the coaching ranks as the new head men's golf coach at The University of Texas-Pan American.

Drew Scott, who currently plays on the Canadian Professional Golf Tour, will succeed Mark Gaynor, who resigned to become the head coach at NCAA Division II champion Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina.

A native of Laurinburg, North Carolina, Scott won his first tournament when he was eight years old, played in his first national level tournament at the age of 10, and was the North Carolina state champion while playing for Union Pines High school in Cameron, NC.

As a collegian, Scott played at both Rice and the University of North Carolina. He was named the Owls' Most Valuable Player in both his freshman and senior seasons at Rice, and finished among the top 20 in half of his collegiate events-including two runner-up finished and 18 finishes in the top 20.

After graduating from Rice with a bachelor's degree in Human Performance and Health Science, Scott played professionally, earning his Canadian Tour card in May, 2000. He's been playing regularly on the Canadian Tour in each of the past four years.

While continuing his playing career, Scott began his coaching career. He served as an assistant coach at both Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines, NC and West Pine Middle School in Pinehurst, NC. He also represented the Pinehurst Resort and Country Club as their touring professional, and conducted clinics and assisted at camps at the Pinehurst Company's Golf Advantage Schools.

"We are pleased to announce the naming of Drew Scott as our new head men's golf coach at The University of Texas-Pan American," said UTPA Director of Athletics William J. Weidner. "Drew's well-rounded background will serve him well at UTPA. As an outstanding student-athlete and a graduate at Rice University, Drew competed at the highest level of NCAA Division I, earning team MVP honors while earning his degree in a very rigorous academic environment. Drew has a true understanding and has first-hand experience of the many challenges faced by today's student-athletes as they balance both their athletic and their academic responsibilities. As a touring professional and an experienced golf clinician, Drew is well-versed in skill and technique development, both the long and short game, as well in all aspects of course management. His strong organizational skills, excellent teaching abilities, and true passion for the game and the student-athletes he works with will greatly assist his efforts in providing strong leadership for our program. On behalf of our entire athletic program and The University of Texas-Pan American, we welcome Drew as the newest member of the UTPA family."

"I'm excited about the opportunity to come to Texas-Pan American," said Scott. "I was honored to be asked to come down and visit, and I enjoyed getting the chance to meet all the people in the athletic department and the support staff. I'm eager to meet everyone and get things started."

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