December 16, 2002

WARREN, PA — Kevin Long, Sr. has signed a late national letter-of-intent to attend the Carl Spackler Open Championship at The Reserve at Thunder Hill.  He is the first rookie to sign to play in the 2003 major championship.  Rick Dosky made the announcement on Sunday before retiring for the evening.

"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 56 in February, skipped around the 102 average this past summer while putting up two-digit scores over the past few months.  He has not only been the first rookie to sign, but the oldest player in history.

"Kevin understands and has grown accustomed to the level of golf in which the Spackler Open will demand with players like Jay Dilks and Don McFarland.  I believe he's yet another key to the piece of the puzzle for us in becoming a very large national tournament," added Dosky.