February 14, 2006

EBENSBURG, PA — Kevin Long, Sr. has signed a late national letter-of-intent to attend the Carl Spackler Open Championship at The Neuse Golf Club in Clayton, NC. He is the third player to sign over the age of 50 to this year's major championship. Rick Dosky made the announcement on Monday before retiring for the evening.

The announcement comes on Valentine's Day and Kevin's 58th birthday.

"Happy Birthday to Kevin! I'm extremely excited with Kevin's decision," Dosky said. "We're fortunate to get someone with his age and passion for the game. He will benefit our program outside the golf bag significantly because of his personality."

Kevin, turning 57 today, skipped around the 125 average this past summer while recovering from paralysis. "It is quite amazing to see him at the tournament last year after paralysis during the entire month of January," says son Chad Long. "I heard he is doing cartio and weights this year. He better not show up kissing his byceps like Hulk Hogan."

Kevin completed 45 holes last year before withdrawing from the tournament. "It was very nice of Herron to play so poorly," said Kevin. "It was an easy decision to just quit when I heard Herron's debacle had continued through the final round. Who would have thought 45 holes was all it would take?"

The Valentine Boy proudly displayed his red Spackler hat and red golf shirt for his most recent photo shoot.

The 2006 Carl Spackler Open Championship begins in 113 days.