Bryan College Golf Program signed McMinn Central's Andrew Wilcox this week. "Andrew will be a great addition to our first-year golf program next year. Andrew represents many things that we are looking for at Bryan College: he has strong academics, a promising golf game and is a good Christian young man with strong spiritual values," said Bryan College Head Coach Peter Bollant, "When you add in the fact he is a local product, you have everything we're looking for in the recruiting process."
Bollant completed the recruiting process this week by signing Wilcox to a scholarship to play for the Lions when they begin competition in the Appalachian Athletic Conference in 2010.
"He's a big guy who hits the ball long and has a lot of potential," Bollant said of the 6'5 McMinn Central senior, "He's also a Godly young man," he added, "It's something we think is important for our student-athletes. He will be a great addition to Bryan College - both on and off the field."
Wilcox said he is excited about the opportunities offered by the Dayton-based school. "It's close to home and will allow my family the opportunity to see me play," said Wilcox, "I'm also looking forward to being part of helping to build a program. I had always hoped to play at the next level and this is a chance to realize that ambition."
Wilcox was a big part of McMinn Central's success this past season as the Chargers placed second in the District 5-AA tournament, but then went on to win the Region 3-AA playoffs, the first McMinn Central team to qualify for the TSSAA Class AA State Tournament since 1999.
Wilcox finished third for individual medalist honors in the region and led McMinn Central's scoring in the state tournament. McMinn Central golf Coach Doug Armstrong thinks Wilcox will do well at Bryan. "Andrew's best golf is ahead of him - I agree with Coach Bollant that he has a lot of potential once he becomes more consistent with his ball-striking from tee to green - and I know he will work at it," said Armstrong, "He's a terrific young man. I believe he and Bryan are a good fit. It's always satisfying as a coach to see deserving young people rewarded for all their hard work and dedication."
