Former Francis Marion University golfer Matt Dura (’03) and women's tennis player Annamaria Karai Meadows (’05) were inducted into the FMU Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018.
Dura lettered four years on the links between 1999 and 2003, earning All-Conference and All-America accolades twice and being named an Academic All-American in 2003. He was also a member of the 2003 NCAA Division II national championship squad. Dura earned a B.B.A. degree in management in 2003.
Following graduation he worked as an account executive for Cumulus Broadcasting, worked with the Arkansas Democrat Gazette for seven years, and is currently an administrative supervisor for D&F Equipment Sales, Inc., western division in Arkansas – dealing with integrated food systems and equipment. He resides in Fayetteville, Ark., with his wife Jenny and their three girls.
A native of Sumter and a product of Sumter High School, Dura ended her career with a stroke average of 74.41 covering 88 career rounds. He twice shot 67 during his time as a Patriot, registered 11 Top-10 finishes, and he helped lead FMU to season-ending national rankings all four years: No.22 in 2000, No.17 in 2001, No.9 in 2002, and No.1 in 2003.
He was named to the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll and the FMU Swamp Fox Athletic-Academic Honor Roll all four years.
As a sophomore, he played in all 12 tournaments and posted a 75.11 stroke average. In addition to All-Conference honors, he helped Francis Marion to the conference title and was named to the PBC All-Tournament Team after placing second at the Peach Belt Tournament one stroke behind the medalist.
As a junior, he played in 11 of 12 tournaments and recorded the then third-lowest stroke average (73.63) in team history. He earned honorable mention All-America honors after tying for third at 2002 Division II national championships – the highest finish ever for an FMU golfer at a national tournament – and helping the Patriots to a ninth-place team finish.
As a senior, he played in 11 of 12 events and recorded a 74.5 stroke average as the Patriot captured the national championship. He earned the double-double of All-American honors on the course (third-team) and in the classroom. He placed 14th individually at the 2003 national tournament.
