Eagles' Champion signs NLI with Johnston CC

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on May 17, 2016 1:48 PM

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jhayes@newsargus.com

The world of collegiate golf has changed -- for the better.

No longer an old-money, upper-crust social club with more limitations than limber-backs, the game has expanded its horizons. Programs such as Oklahoma State, Stanford and Georgia still reign supreme, but represent far less the norm than a decade ago.

All over the country, quality programs are developing at the Division II, III and junior college ranks. If a prepster wishes to become a player of polished regard at the next level, chances are an opportunity exists.

Enter Dylan Champion.

The Rosewood senior and four-year varsity letter winner signed a national letter of intent Friday with Johnston Community College, placing an exclamation point on his high school career. This fall, he will join a program that has accumulated three Region X titles in the past decade, and is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association.

Accompanied by his father, Tony, and officials from the Eagles' athletic department, the dressed-down ceremony was devoid of pomp -- and very much pure Champion.

"Let's go," he said, "I've got a tournament at 12 (noon)."

Such is life for the senior, who spends the bulk of his waking hours in pursuit of top-flight form. That spirit -- along with untapped physical potential -- drew the interest of JCC head coach Ed Ransopher, now in his eighth year with the program.

"Dylan has a temendous amount of raw talent," the coach said, "and the potential to be very, very good."

At six-foot-seven and 295 pounds, Champion hardly fits the mold of a modern tour player. But his physique gives him access to the one component sought-after and pined-over by most who pick up the game.

Distance.

Champion will be the first to tell you it matters, sure. But he also he wants to improve all aspects of his play -- aspects that got exposed during last week's 1-A state championship appearance at Longleaf Golf and Family Club near famed Pinehurst.

"I averaged 80 on the year, low round of 76," Champion noted, "(and) my putting and short game need to get better."

At JCC, the prospective business student will have ample opportunity.

The Jaguars play a lush schedule, with four tournament appearances this fall. A particular highlight of making the travel roster includes a start at a NJCAA event for teams rooted throughout the Carolinas.

If Champion can push through four rounds of fall qualifying, he'll earn the right to tee it up and further measure his playing progress. If not, that's okay -- his coach has a plan for the Goldsboro product.

"We're very much concerned about the freshmen... not getting cut out of class because of golf," Ransopher said, "and we'll put him in a diet and exercise program, getting started... building good habits and hanging onto them."

"It's (golf) a game youplay all of your life."

And for Champion, that time begins this fall in Johnston County.