June 10, 2002

BIRMINGHAM -- One of the most decorated athletes in UAB history got a little bit more recognition recently.

Blazer golfer Graeme McDowell added to his already impressive list of accomplishments by being named to the Ping All-American team for the second consecutive year. The Portrush, Northern Ireland product, who also received Ping All-Region honors, was named first-team Ping All-American after finishing the year as the No.1 ranked player in both the Golfweek/Sagarin Performance Index and the Golfstat Cup standings.

He is the first UAB golfer to become a two-time All-American.

McDowell earned the honors after a dazzling final season at UAB. The two-time Conference USA Player of the Year won six tournaments in 14 starts this season. He recorded an amazing stroke average of 69.86 and had 35 rounds of par or better.

His brilliant year began last fall, when he took individual medalist honors at the Topy Cup in Japan. He also won the Country Club of Louisiana Intercollegiate before beginning a torrid run in the spring.

McDowell won four more events, including his final championship at the Atlanta Intercollegiate in May. At the Georgia State-hosted event, he blistered the talent-rich field with a three-round total of 19-under par. Included was a career-best 63 in the final round.

He led the Blazers to the NCAA Championships for the second straight season two weeks ago. McDowell had the lead entering the final round before claiming fourth. It was his 11th top 10 finish this year.