MOBILE, Ala. - University of South Alabama head men's golf coach Ben Hannan announced Monday that Lane Hulse has signed a National Letter-of-Intent and will join the program in the fall.

A native of Fordyce, Ark., Hulse has earned numerous honors while helping Fordyce High School claim the state championship this fall.

"Lane has had a very good junior golf career that has helped him become the top-ranked senior in Arkansas," Hannan observed.  "He fits our profile as a good student-athlete, and I expect him to come in and add to our depth immediately.  He will compete for a spot right away."

Hulse was an all-state, all-region and all-district performer this season, with his efforts leading the Redbugs to the state 4A title by a stroke.  In fact, he earned all-state, all-region and all-district honors in each of his four years at FHS, as he was the medalist each fall at the district championships as well as finishing first at the region tournament on three occasions.

And, as a junior, Hulse was the individual state champion after shooting a 71.

He also was the medalist at the Wildcat Invitational - one of the largest tournaments in Arkansas - this year after firing a 67.

In amateur competition, Hulse averaged 72.84 shots per round over the summer while posting three top-three finishes in six events.  He is ranked 177th overall in junior golf and second in Arkansas, while is first among seniors in the state rankings.

He won the Arkansas State Golf Association Junior Amateur by six strokes after carding a 69 in the last of three rounds, shot 71-71-142 to place second at the Trusted Choice Big I State Championship at Ridgepointe Country Club in Jonesboro, and tied for third at the 14th annual Future Tour Championship in Greenville, Miss., after posting an opening-round 70.  Hulse also qualified for the ASGA Match Play Championships and placed 14th at the American Junior Golf Association Dodge/Bob Estes Abilene Junior, where he recorded rounds of 71 and 70.

The previous summer, he won the United States Junior Golf Tour Greystone Classic, tied for second at the Future Tour Championship and came in sixth at the USGA Junior Amateur.  He finished the season with a 73.91 stroke average.

"I took several visits throughout the year and know that this is a great university," said Hulse.  "Coach Hannan is great and the facilities are real nice.  I'm excited about the opportunity to come to a winning program and helping the team in any way I can."

The Jaguars posted three top-10 finishes during the fall campaign, including winning the Memphis Intercollegiate by five strokes last month.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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