Aycock reigns as ECC golf king

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on May 3, 2007 1:47 PM

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WILSON -- The "three-peat" is complete.

Senior Jordan Elmore posted a career-low 75 and Charles B. Aycock reigned as the Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference men's golf king Wednesday afternoon at Willow Springs Country Club.

The Golden Falcons carded a four-player total of 314 on the par-71 layout and claimed their third consecutive league crown. Runner-up Wilson Hunt took third in the final match and second overall in the season-long, team-title chase. Beddingfield placed third overall.

All three teams qualified for the N.C. High School Athletic Association eastern regional, which is Monday at Maccripine Country Club near Pinetops. Tee time is approximately 9 a.m.

Eastern Wayne ended up fourth, followed by Southern Wayne and Kinston. The Warriors' trio of Kyle Ham, Nick Barrow and Carter Walchli earned trips to the regional as individuals.

Kinston's Ryan Reese also advanced.

"I told the guys to go out and play smart, and not to get into any major trouble, especially with a 28-stroke lead over Hunt," said C.B. Aycock head coach Jay Westbrook, whose team won the league by 33 strokes.

Will Vinson complemented Elmore with an 18-hole score of 77. Charles Cranford and Heyward Jeffreys contributed rounds of 79 and 83, respectively.

"I was excited for this team for overcoming some injuries early in the season and battling hard in a lot of close matches all season with Hunt, Beddingfield and Eastern Wayne," said Westbrook. "We are now focusing our efforts on preparing for the regional, and trying to return to the state championship in Pinehurst for the third year in a row."

Hunt's Cole Stoiber seized medalist honors with a 2-over par 73.

Beddingfield's Matt Ellis fired a 5-over 76 and emerged the ECC player of the year. The freshman phenom fashioned a league-best 74.6 average in match play.

Ham posted a 76.0 stroke average and took third in the individual title race.

Ellis and fellow freshman Mark Whitley each earned a spot on the 10-player all-conference team. Vinson, Cranford, Elmore and Austin Forrest represent C.B. Aycock, while Ham and Barrow stand for Eastern Wayne. Stoiber and teammate Paul Howell also earned all-ECC accolades.