Eastern Wayne's quartet of golfers gets taste of regional competition

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on May 3, 2016 1:49 PM

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jhayes@newsargus.com

FOUR OAKS -- Golf's learning curve is swift, steep and evolving.

Eastern Wayne found out as much yesterday during the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A men's east golf regional at Reedy Creek Golf Course.

The Warriors, who sent four individual hopefuls to the event out of the Eastern Carolina 3-A/4-A conference, did not have a player post a score under the century mark.

All was not considered lost, however.

"It's great experience," head coach Ray Lippert said. "Three of them, it's their first regional opportunity, and hopefully they can learn from this."

Eastern posted scores from Austin Uzzell, Drew Grady, Zack Lancaster and Nathan Coker. And in accordance with most of the field, the Warriors found their share of difficulty.

The outcome wasn't entirely unexpected. After all, none of Eastern Wayne's team had ever seen the golf course prior to Sunday's practice round. It will, however, be used as cornerstone material for next year -- for more than one reason.

In a meeting with NCHSAA officials prior to the start of regional play, a surprise was provided Wayne County ECC member schools. The 3A conference (membership) -- Charles B. Aycock, Southern Wayne and Eastern Wayne -- will play host to the regionals next year at Lane Tree.

There will be extra work, sure, and the hours won't come cheap. But the opportunity for Wayne County's players and coaches is one sure to generate excitement and inspiration -- as was seeing a fellow 3-A conference member march to compete in this year's state championship.

"(We're) very excited and proud of Aycock," Lippert said.