GREENVILLE, N.C. – Two of East Carolina men's golfers, senior Adam Howell and sophomore Ryan Neal, have earned spots in the 104th U.S. Amateur, the country's oldest golf championship. The tournament will be played at the historic Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y. from August 16-22.

Howell, a native of Rocky Mount, claimed a berth in this year's winning on the second hole of a playoff against Scott McClellan at the Raleigh, N.C. qualifier at Brier Creek Country Club with a 36-holt score of 138. He is scheduled to tee off at 12:15 p.m. (ET) on Monday, August 16 and will begin round two action Tuesday at 7:15 a.m. (ET). The senior co-captain appeared in six tournaments for the Pirates in 2003 with his best finish coming at the Pirate Fall Intercollegiate where he posted a 56-hole score of 224 to claim a tie for 27th place.

Neal (Arlington, Texas), just like Howell, advanced to the U.S. Amateur after winning a spot in a playoff against Jonathan Lenz and Casey Carnes. Both Neal and Lenz finished tied for third at the San Antonio, Texas qualifier to advance to the prestigious event. Neal will start his August 16 round at 2:09 p.m. (ET) and will play at 9:09 a.m. (ET) the following morning.

"I am extremely proud of what Adam and Ryan were able to accomplish," said ECU Head Golf Coach Kevin Williams. "In my nine years at ECU, this is the first time I have had anyone qualify for such a prestigious event as the U.S. Amateur. It's fitting that both of these young men were named co-captains for our upcoming season and I know that they will play well and represent East Carolina with pride."

Winged Foot has hosted four U.S. Opens (1929, '59, '74 and '84); two Women's U.S. Opens (1957 and '72); one PGA Championship (1997); the inaugural U.S. Senior Open (1984); one Walker Cup match (1948) and one U.S. Amateur (1940). The West Course (7,266 yards, par 70), will be played each day of the event, while the club's East Course (6,760 yards, par 70) will also be used during the two days of stroke play.

The USGA accepted 7,356 entries for the 2004 U.S. Amateur. Sectional qualifying was conducted over 36 holes at 100 sites from July 21-August 3 to finalize the 312-person field. Following two rounds of stroke play next week, the field will be cut to the low 64 amateurs. Those 64 players will then compete in a match play elimination tournament until the championship, which will take place on Sunday, August 22. For more information and live scoring of the tournament, visit the official website of the U.S. Amateur: www.usamateur.org.