C.B. Aycock golfers record best season in ECC play

Published in Sports on June 7, 2005 2:29 PM

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PIKEVILLE -- Golf is alive and well at C.B. Aycock. That was the message delivered at the recent awards banquet by head coach Gary Hales.

"Arguably," he said, "We probably just completed our best season ever since the inception of the sport back in the early 90's."

What a year it was.

The Golden Falcons finished first in Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference play. Their overall record was 62-16. In conference, their slate was an astounding 55-5.

Not resting on their laurels, they were second in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Eastern Regionals and a highly respectable 10th in the state championships. Aycock finished at 623 during the two-day tournament at Longleaf Golf Country Club in Pinehurst. Senior Jonathon Burke fired a 150 and fellow 2005 graduate Ryan Campbell shot a 153.

Will Vinson carded a 157, while Ryan Walderman (163) also figured in the team score. Redding Pittman (179) and Michael Stevens (179) also contributed for Aycock.

Balance was the key for the Golden Falcons this season. When Pittman shot a team-best 79 at the east regional match in Morehead City, he became the fifth different player to lead Aycock on the season.

"It was a total team effort," added Hales. "Our competitiveness made us what we were. Each player pushed the others, wanting to improve."

Hales cited the efforts of his seniors, not only for their play, but for their leadership skills.

"Jonathan Burke will be sorely missed," he said. "He loves the game and has a tremendous work ethic."

Walderman, another senior, was also a clutch performer. His low round for the year was 69.

Next season, Hales has already set a high bar for his four returning lettermen. Campbell averaged 79 for the season.

"He (Cambell) can vie for conference player of the year," said Hales.

Vinson, who will be only a junior next season, is another player Hales looks to being another all-conference choice. Pittman and Stevens also are long on potential.

"We always have a large number of players coming out for the team," said Hales. "The guys that are willing to work out and play every day will be the ones that will make this team."

Three players from Aycock's program claimed either Wayne County Amateur or Junior Amateur titles recently.

Burke became the youngest winner of the Wayne County Men's Amateur, while Ryan Cambell (16-year old) and Will Vinson (15-year old) took home Junior Amateur awards.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Finalists for golfer of the year are Jonathan Greene (W. Christian), Miles Perry (E. Wayne), Stephen Warren (Spring Creek), Shane Ogburn (Rosewood) and Colby Murphy (G. Central).