2016 has proven to be a successful year for the Pierce County High School boys’ golf team. Head coach Stuart Stipe leads a team of 10 players; two of which are seniors Emmett James and Clay Denison. Emmett has put forth much hard work and has earned a spot on the varsity/tournament team. Clay, in his first year on the golf team, used hard work and perseverance to show great improvements.
“As a football player, Clay brings many great leadership qualities to the team,” Coach Stipe said.
Practice and tryouts began February 15th and 16th; these boys are extremely devoted because they surrendered their holiday weekend to try out for the team. During practices, the boys are given the opportunity to work on fundamentals as a group, as well as time to improve personal weaknesses on an individual basis. The team always carves out time for FCA with the team chaplain, Philip Cochran. The golfers find great motivation through Bible verses, quotes, and tradition. This season, the Bears participated in multiple tournaments against some of the state’s best teams, in all classifications.
When asked about awards and accolades, Coach Stipe replied, “As a team, we are five-time defending Region 1-AAA Champions.”
Individually, there was also great success. Jake Harvard, a junior, was a low medalist at this year’s region tournament. Jake Harvard, Zac Thornton, and Kole Kicklighter were all members of the All-Region team. Zac Thornton was a low medalist at the Golden Isles Invitational hosted by Glynn Academy. The team was honored to represent the South well at the Spring Hill Ryder Cup that was hosted by Tift County. The fun yet competitive match consisted of six of the best teams from the North against the six of the best teams from the South.
To be satisfied is to be settled; as a coach or player it’s always best to never be satisfied, but to push and expect improvement.
“I am pleased,” Coach Stipe said. “But at this point I am not satisfied.”
Like many of PC’s other athletic teams, the boys’ golf team is young. However, after a slow beginning, the team is well on their way to meeting their ultimate goal.
“The Region Championship was a goal, but ‘the’ goal is a state championship,” Coach Stipe said.
On May 16th, the Bear Golfers will participate in the AAA State Championship in Fort Gordon.
Coach Stipe added great appreciation, saying, “Our Pierce County High School golf program has a great support system. We have an administration that believes in and supports its student-athletes. The Pierce County Middle School golf program, and Coach Corey Lesseig, serve as the lifeline for our high school’s success. The parents of our golfers make so many sacrifices to ensure that we have everything we need to create lifelong memories. We are also thankful to Lakeview Golf Course and its members for letting us call Lakeview home.”
Southeast Georgia/ May 2016
Written by Ivy Young
Photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson
Pierce County High School
PCHS Boy’s Golf