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School Sports
Demons, Warriors shoot for 3-A golf championship By Tom Ham | Senior Staff Writer The Fike and Hunt High boys golf teams depart Sunday morning for the same destination -- Foxfire Village and the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A Championship. The archrivals have not played in the state championship in the same year since 2000. That year, the Warriors emerged the runner-up and Fike claimed third. The Golden Demons and Hunt will arrive with similar credentials and intend to enhance Wilson County's stout reputation for high school golf. Fike reigns as the NEW 6 Conference and East Regional champion. Hunt captured the Eastern Carolina Conference title and registered a runner-up regional finish. The Warriors will be competing in the state tournament for the first time since 2002 -- the year they won their fourth state championship. Ironically, Fike has been a state qualifier every year since 2002. The Demons' accomplishments include one runner-up showing and a trio of third-place efforts. Fike boasts an individual state champion in John-Tyler Griffin, who now plays in the Atlantic Coast Conference for Georgia Tech. The Demons and Warriors play a practice round later Sunday in preparation for 18 holes of competition on the Foxfire East Course Monday and Tuesday. Fike will go with senior Zach Gliarmis, freshman Coalter Paxton, sophomore Spencer Whitt, junior Ryan Yarbrough, sophomore Matthew Ellis and freshman Bailey Rose. Alternates are sophomore Mark Whitley and junior Drew Hinnant for Fike and senior Bryant Glover and freshman Stuart Webb for the Warriors. Neither head coach Jim Boykin of Fike nor Glenn Jones of Hunt is issuing a forecast. However, the Demons expect to contend with Gliarmis, Whitt and Yarbrough returning off a team that finished eighth in 2007. "This is the deepest team we've had," Boykin said. "I hope we'll contend. I feel really good and I really like this team. I'm not predicting anything, but I think they are ready. They were so focused (in the regional). If we bring that focus ..." A solid start from Gliarmis, the only senior, will be a boost, but balance has been a Fike signature all season. "All, in their own way, can lead, and all have done it," Boykin assured. Crucial, emphasized Fike's coach, will be his players keeping their heads into their tasks and their efficiency with putts 6 feet and shorter. "If we're making those putts, we'll contend," he added. Boykin labels Forest View, defending champion Hickory and Burlington Williams as top threats. And Hunt golfers are paired with players from Hickory and Burlington Williams. Balance has also propelled Hunt's state appearance. However, Jones would like to see stronger play from Howell, the ECC Player of the Year, and seniors Stoiber and Hesmer in the state event. The Warriors admit they didn't expect to be playing next Monday and Tuesday. "It's a dream," Jones commented. "And for some of them, it's an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These guys have worked hard and deserve some rewards. They got it." Jones hopes the Warriors bring with them to Foxfire Village the same outlook that bode well for them in the regional. He's preaching unity, grinding it out and make every shot count. "We want to have fun and hang loose," he remarked. "You never know what will happen. I hope the seniors step up and play like they are capable of playing. I hope we play smart; I understand the course can be tricky and demanding." Fike and Hunt will be among 12 teams competing for 3-A supremacy. "We are happy to be back there," Jones said. "You can't take it for granted." However, the first-year head coach insists his Warriors will not finish last. "We're one of the top 12 teams in the state," he explained. "Last is already home." hammer@wilsontimes.com | 265-7809
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