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School Sports
Warriors rebound to finish tied for seventh By Tom Ham | Senior Staff Writer WEST END -- Hunt High wasn't the Wilson County boys golf team that won the 2008 N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A Championship on Tuesday at Foxfire Resort and Golf Club. Nonetheless, excitement abounded for the Warriors following Tuesday's final round. Hunt emerged the front-runner for the mythical Comeback Award after carding a score of 315 strokes for its low four individuals. The 36-stroke difference from Monday's opening round score brought the Warriors to a tie for seventh in the 12-team field with a 666 total that was matched by Piedmont High. The Warriors were coming off a 351, their worst round of 2008, and first-year head coach Glenn Jones proudly pointed out his team reversed the last two digits from the opening-round total. However, the two-round total produced a number to be disdained, prompting Jones to comment: "Can't we add .5 to it or put a bar across it." "I'm so happy for my guys that I don't know what to do," Jones continued. "They bounced back great; today, we played the golf we have been playing all year." As was the case during the regular season -- when the Warriors captured the Eastern Carolina Conference championship and finished second in the East Regional, junior Paul Howell, the ECC Player of the Year, led the way and the seniors stepped up. Howell bounced back from Monday's 83 with a 4-over-par 76, birdieing Nos. 1, 3 and 9. Seniors Lawrence Webb and Cole Stoiber shot 81 and 82, respectively. Other Hunt scores were sophomore Matt Sullivan with an 88 and junior Robert Byrd with a 90. "I went out there trying to make par and letting the birdies come," Howell explained his approach. Although no stranger to tournaments, the long-hitting Howell savored the experience. "Nothing compares with a state tournament," he contended. "It was a good experience and, hopefully, I will make it back next year -- hopefully with the team." Howell's early-season goal was a state berth. The team also qualifying was a welcomed but unexpected bonus. "I had some good guys backing me," he noted. "They always helped me and helped us get here. And maybe we can get back here next year if some of the guys step up more." Hesmer, playing golf for the first year, spoke of mixed feelings. "We did not begin well, but it's nice feeling to come out with a good score since it's my last sports event in high school. I tried to step up," he remarked. Hesmer's Hunt athletic career also includes football, basketball and track. Golf replaced track his senior year. "It's been a lot of fun," he said of his golf endeavors, "but track really helped my speed for football." In reflecting on Monday's struggles, Hunt players mentioned as negatives inexperience and the difficult conditions. Once again, Stoiber offered perspective. The Hunt senior downplayed inexperience, instead observing: "It was the conditions and lack of talent -- especially on my part." FIKE CONGRATULATED Seniors Hesmer, Stoiber and Webb departed with the treat of witnessing Tuesday's awards ceremony that proclaimed archrival Fike the state champion. "I think it's outstanding," Jones commented. "This is a big championship for Wilson. I'm happy for (Fike coach) Jim (Boykin Jr.). This should have been his second state championship this year." Hunt's coach was referring to the fact that, last fall, the favored Fike girls team, coached by Boykin, finished second. Robert Register, a freshman from Burlington Williams, seized the individual championship with rounds of 72-73--145. Senior Harold Varner of runner-up Forestview won a playoff from junior Daniel Claytor of Northern Nash for second place. Varner, also the runner-up last year, fashioned a 74-73--147 in regulation, while Claytor, the NEW 6 Conference Player of the Year and East Region medalist, posted a 75-72--147. Claytor tied for Tuesday's low round. Southeast Guilford's Steven Heath also matched par of 72. The 15-year-old Register, the winner of numerous junior championships, birdied Nos. 3, 13 and 16 -- all par-5 layouts. He trailed the leader by a shot entering the final round. "I was trying to shoot under par," he assured. "I hit the ball really well, but I didn't putt too well. It was windy both days and the difference was my ball-striking. I hit most of the greens." Register was understandably proud of his latest accomplishment. "It feels great," he responded. "I have been working hard to try to play well. I like to play for my school." Charlotte Catholic senior Michael Muscatell, the first-round leader and the 2006 champion, faded to an 81 and a 152 total. Union Pines' Robert Hoadley, the 2007 medalist, also registered a 152 total with a 77-75. hammer@wilsontimes.com | 265-7809
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