Kentucky Wesleyan College head men's golf coach
Scott Ray announced six Western Kentucky area prep standouts will continue their education and athletic careers with the Panthers.
Joining the program are
Brad Alexander from Leitchfield (Grayson County HS);
Jordan Gary from Hopkinsville (Hopkinsville HS);
Patrick Hibbs from Madisonville (Madisonville North Hopkins HS);
John Shelman from Henderson (Henderson County HS);
Heath Williams from Madisonville (Hopkins County Central); and
Tyler Yates from Brandenburg (Meade County HS).
"After losing six players to graduation, it made my first recruiting class a challenge," said Ray. "Two seniors were four year players and were invaluable to my learning curve as a first year collegiate coach.
"Our ultimate goal is for KWC to reach the upper echelon of the GLVC and I think we have started with a great group of freshmen to attain that goal before they graduate."
Alexander, a four-year letterwinner for the Cougars, recorded a career low 69 in the Paducah Tilghman Tournament as a senior and a 73 in the regional championship where he was runner-up.
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"Brad is a self-taught player and knows how to handle pressure," Ray stated. "He has an excellent short game and is an excellent competitor."
Gary, a six-year letterwinner for the Tigers, produced a career average 73.0 and scored a personal best 68. During his career, he posted the lowest season average three straight years and twice received the team's Most Valuable Player Award.
Ray commented, "Jordan has the skills to compete at the college level. He has worked hard with his pro to improve his consistency".
Hibbs, a five-year letterwiner for the Maroons, shot a personal low 66 and twice qualified for the state championship. He produced the team's lowest match average and tournament average two consecutive seasons while capturing two invitationals. Hibbs also won three Kentucky Junior Pepsi Tour and two Evansville Junior titles.
"Patrick has had success at the junior, high school and state level," stated Ray. "He has the distance to compete in college and I expect him to have an immediate impact on the team's success."
Shelman, four-year letterwinner for the Colonels, posted a 85 stroke average and recorded a career-low 81 at the Dawson Springs Invitational as a senior. He won medalist honors at the Union County dual match and participated in the regional tournament in 2009. Shelman is a four Academic All-State honoree.
Ray said, "John has had a good summer with winning on the Owensboro Junior Tour and expects to keep improving and to make a contribution to the team."
Williams, a three-year letterwinner for the Storm, recorded a career low 68 and a 1.9 handicap. He earned first team Academic All-State honors and graduated as Valedictorian.
"Heath can really compete since he is the longest hitter of the recruiting class," Ray added. "He has made swing changes to be more consistent."
Yates, a three-year letterwinner for the Green Wave, earned first-team all-region recognition as a senior while shooting a career low 75 in three tournaments. His 34 career matches produced the team's lowest nine-hole average and Most Improved Award as a sophomore, lowest match and tournament score as a junior and earned the Most Outstanding Award as a senior.
Ray commented,, "Tyler is possibly the best athlete on the team, He has steadily improved his play over the last three seasons. He has the length and desire to compete at this level and I have no doubt his development as a college golfer will enhance our team."
