SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Bethune-Cookman men’s golf team leads the 2014 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men’s Golf Championship by 13 strokes after the opening round on Friday at the Crosswinds Golf Club.

The Wildcats combined to shoot a 2-under par 286 through the first 18 holes of the 54-hole tournament. The tournament continues Saturday and concludes on Sunday at the 6,848-yard, par-72 course.

Bethune-Cookman brothers Leon and Ryan Fricker shot 69s and tied North Carolina Central’s J.T. Thomas for the lead. Leon carded three birdies, two eagles and four bogeys, while Ryan recorded six birdies and a pair of bogeys. Thomas registered five birdies, one eagle, a pair of bogeys and one double bogey. Kevin Parker of Florida A&M sits in fourth place after firing a 1-under par 71. Parker carded five birdies, two bogeys and one double bogey.

The Fricker brothers combined to shoot 6-under 138 to pace the Wildcats, while Rafael Abad and Matthew McKnight, who are tied for sixth, fired 74s. Emanuel Petrich carded a 77.

North Carolina Central is in second with an 11-over par 299. Savannah State sits in third place at 12-over par 300. Florida A&M (301), Hampton (315) and Maryland Eastern Shore (345) round out the field.

Play resumes Saturday with teams teeing off at 8 a.m.

The tournament champion and medalist receives an automatic qualification to the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship. The NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Selection Show will air Monday, May 5 at 10 a.m. on the Golf Channel.

For more information on the MEAC Men’s Golf Championship or other sponsored sports, visit www.meacsports.com.