May 1, 2008

IRVING, Texas-- The Big 12 Conference has announced its all-conference awards, as selected by the league's head coaches. Ten student-athletes were named to the All-Big 12 team including championship medalist Rickie Fowler (Oklahoma State). Fowler was also named the Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Year while head coach Mike McGraw picked up his second straight Big 12 Coach of the Year honor.

Fowler, the No. 1 player in the nation, becomes the first freshman to receive both Player and Newcomer accolades since David Gossett (Texas) claimed both honors in 1999. The Murrieta, Calif., native entered the last round of the conference championship one shot back but carded a 68 over the final 18 holes to push him into the top spot.

McGraw led his squad to its second straight Big 12 title and sixth overall after posting a 20-stroke victory at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas. The Cowboys earned three spots on the All-Big 12 team, followed by Texas and Texas Tech with two apiece. Iowa State, Texas A&M, and Baylor all had one student-athlete selected.

2008 All-Big 12 Men's Golf Honors

All-Big 12 Team
Colton Williams, Baylor, So.
Chris Baker, Iowa State, Sr. **
Rickie Fowler, Oklahoma State, Fr. **
Trent Leon, Oklahoma State, Jr.
Kevin Tway, Oklahoma State, Fr.
Charlie Holland, Texas, So. **
Bobby Hudson, Texas, Fr.
Robert Gates, Texas A&M, Sr.
Garrett Merrell, Texas Tech, Jr.
Chris Ward, Texas Tech, So.

Player of the Year
Rickie Fowler, Oklahoma State, Fr. **

Newcomer of the Year
Rickie Fowler, Oklahoma State, Fr. **

Coach of the Year
Mike McGraw, Oklahoma State

** Designates unanimous selection