C-USA on the Links

Former UAB men's golfer Grame McDowell finished in a tie for seventh in the PGA St. Jude Classic presented by FedEx in Memphis last weekend. McDowell posted the best final round of the day at -7 to finish -11 in the tournament. After a distinguished Irish amateur career, Graeme took up a golf scholarship with the Blazers in 1998. He earned all-conference honors in 2001 and 2002 and helped UAB to a 12th place finish at the NCAA Championship in 2001. He turned pro in 2002 and has competed on both the U.S. and European tours, earning enough money to become fully exempt on the PGA Tour in 2006. He returned full-time to the European Tour in 2007 and experienced a breakout year in 2008, highlighted by his first appearance on the European Ryder Cup team. With a secure spot in the World Top 50, he plans a global 2009 schedule, playing Majors, WGC's, some PGA Tour events and the European Tour. To follow McDowell on the tour, click here.

C-USA Remembers Brenda Weare

Today the C-USA family remembers Brenda Weare, commissioner of the Northeastern Conference, who passed away on Saturday. A passionate champion for intercollegiate athletics, Brenda was an associate commissioner on the Conference USA staff from 1995 until she was named NEC Commissioner in August, 2006. A seasoned athletic administrator, Brenda served on numerous NCAA committees and national sports organizations during her career. In October 2008, she was named the inaugural recipient of the NACWAA Award of Distinction, honoring her unique professional contributions, extraordinary service and professional accomplishments and personal courage. Brenda waged a courageous battle with synovial cell sarcoma, a rare form of cancer. In the three years she directed the NEC, she took the league to new heights and just recently the NEC Commissioner's Cup was renamed in her honor. The newly established Brenda Weare NACWAA Leadership Scholarship fund also honors her legacy. Brenda's colleagues at the NEC said so eloquently, "Her dedication and commitment to making an impact on the lives of student-athletes was evident to all who knew her and will serve as one of her lasting legacies. She will be sorely missed by her family, friends, colleagues and all who had a chance to cross her path."

Southern Miss Baseball Heads to Omaha for the CWS

Southern Miss head baseball coach Corky Palmer has left his mark on the Golden Eagles - on the teams he has guided for the past 12 years, the student-athletes he has cultivated and the baseball program and facilities he has worked hard to improve and enhance. Palmer recently announced his retirement as head baseball coach, but hasn't hung up his coaching uniform just yet. While hosting the 2009 C-USA Baseball Championship, the Golden Eagles made a run for the league title, playing in the championship game. Their run put them in the NCAA Championship and continued with a regional title, a sweep over Florida in the Super Regional and their first appearance in the College World Series in Omaha. A mecca of college baseball tradition, Omaha hosts the CWS for the 59th time June 13-24 at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium. To follow the Golden Eagles on their storybook run and learn more about the CWS tradition in Omaha, click here. (Photo courtesy of Hattiesburg American)

Mendoza Shooting for Big Break

Former UTEP standout golfer Gerina Mendoza is taking part in the latest installment of The Big Break. In its 11th season, the Golf Channel’s hit series, Big Break, features 12 aspiring golfers competing in some of the toughest golf skills challenges. All the contestants share the passion and determination to turn Pro. Each week the pressure continues to build up as one bad shot could be the difference from making their dreams come true or going home. Every week one person is eliminated until the final two golfers left standing play against one another in 18 holes of match-play golf. This season, for the first time in Big Break history, the players are battling it out for a cash prize of $100,000. The winner will have enough cash to finance their dream of playing on tour for an entire year. Six men and six women compete against each other in Big Break: Prince Edward Island. New episodes are every Monday at 9 p.m. ET. Mendoza is currently among the final six contestants.

A two-time all-conference performer, she won medalist honors at the 2007 C-USA Championship. To follow Mendoza on The Big Break, tune in to the Golf Channel or click here.