Aycock golfers denied state tournament bid

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on May 8, 2007 3:00 PM

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PINETOPS -- Charles B. Aycock's quest for its third consecutive appearance in the Class 3-A N.C. High School Athletic Association golf championships ended in heartbreaking fashion Monday afternoon.

The Golden Falcons and long-time rival Wilson Fike tied for third with four-player totals of 331 during the eastern regional contested at Maccripine Country Club. The Golden Demons, who have won five of the past seven regionals, claimed the tiebreaker by virtue of a lower fifth-player score. Ryan Yarborough edged Aycock's Charles Cranford by two strokes -- 85-87.

The top three teams advance to the state meet next Monday and Tuesday in Pinehurst.

"We lost a heartbreaker being tied with a team that we have never beaten," said Aycock head coach Jay Westbrook. "I am still proud of our guys. They battled hard until the last hole, overcoming some harsh playing conditions.

"It was a rough and windy day on a tough course layout."

C.B. Aycock senior Will Vinson and Eastern Wayne's Kyle Ham each fired a 4-over par 75 and qualified as individuals for next week's state meet. Austin Forrest and Jordan Elmore complemented Vinson with identical rounds of 85. Heyward Jeffries posted an 86.

"We had a great year," said Westbrook.

Eastern Wayne's Nick Barrow and Carter Walchli concluded the seasons with scores of 85 and 88, respectively.

Shane Floars led SouthWest Edgecombe to the team title with a 2-over par 73. He shared medalist honors with D.H. Conley's Jared Taunton.

West Carteret finished second at 326. Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference members Wilson Hunt (342) and Wilson Beddingfield (348) ended up seventh and ninth, respectively, in the 11-team field.