Jan. 19, 2001

Stephen F. Austin head football coach Mike Santiago announced today that Courtnee Garcia, a transfer from the University of Texas, has enrolled at SFA for the spring semester and will play football for the Lumberjacks next fall.

Garcia is a 1998 graduate of Lufkin High School and enrolled at the University of Texas following an outstanding career at Lufkin High.

The 5-8, 160-pound wide receiver returned punts for the Longhorns as a freshman in 1999, averaging 5.5 yards per return on 40 returns for the season. In 2000, Garcia returned kickoffs and saw action in 6 games for the Longhorns.

"I am excited that Courtnee has chosen to return to Stephen F. Austin to finish his education and further his football career," said Santiago. "He will bring a great deal of speed and excitement to the offense and will be a big weapon for the `Jacks next fall." Santiago also announced the addition of Matt Lazarine, an offensive lineman from Arkansas State.

Lazarine signed with Arkansas State following an outstanding high school career at Tyler Lee High School. The 1999 graduate of Lee High School helped the Red Raiders to bi-district championships following the 1997 and 1998 seasons. He lettered last season at Arkansas State after redshirting during the 1999 season.

"I am extremely excited about Matt becoming a part of the program. We have a number of good, young offensive linemen on campus, and Matt just adds to the mix," said Santiago. "He will get the opportunity to work out with the team this spring, go through spring practice, and possibly work himself into a starting role for the fall."

The 6-5, 310 pound lineman is the son of Mike Lazarine, a DPS trooper in the Lufkin-Nacogdoches area, and Gayle Squyres.