ELON, NC – Elon University announced the 2003 Phoenix football schedule – its first as a member of the Southern Conference – Thursday afternoon. The 12-game slate covers every Saturday from Aug. 30 to Nov. 15 next fall.

“We have a great 12-game schedule, which is balanced with six at home and six on the road,” said Elon coach Al Seagraves. “We have to be at top form early as we open with perennial power Furman.”

The schedule consists of eight Southern Conference battles and four non-conference contests. It also includes four games versus opponents that finished ranked among the 2002 Sports Network NCAA-IAA poll’s top 15 teams – No. 3 Georgia Southern, No. 9 Furman, No. 10 Appalachian State and No. 14 Wofford.

“We are all eager to begin play in the Southern Conference,” said Seagraves. “Traditionally, the Southern Conference is one of the strongest leagues in the country. We will certainly be challenged by strong out-of-conference play as well. As a program, this is what you live for. This is an opportunity for us to perform against outstanding competition.”

2003 Elon University Phoenix Football Schedule

7 p.m. August 30 – at Furman * (First-ever Southern Conference Game)

6 p.m. September 6 – TUSCULUM

7 p.m. September 13 – at Hofstra

2 p.m. September 20 – EAST TENNESSEE STATE * (Family Weekend Game)

6 p.m. September 27 – NORTH CAROLINA A&T

2 p.m. October 4 – at The Citadel *

1:30 p.m. October 11 – at Wofford *

2 p.m. October 18 – CHATTANOOGA * (Hall of Fame/E-Club Game)

1 p.m. October 25 – at Towson

1 p.m. November 1 – at Western Carolina *

2 p.m. November 8 – APPALACHIAN STATE * (Homecoming Game)

2 p.m. November 15 – GEORGIA SOUTHERN * (Senior Day Game)

* Southern Conference game

– ELON –