The 2010-11 VI Men's Golf Team will feature one of the most talented teams in the school's history. Among the returning players is All-AAC performer, Justin Brown, senior Stephen Adeimy, sophomore Bryant Braithwaite and sophomore Ryan Harrington. Brown, Adeimy and Braithwaite played in every tournament for the Cobras in the 2009-10 seasons.
The 2010-11 team also features an exceptional recruiting class that will make qualifying for a spot in a tournament very difficult. Three freshmen are part of this class and include Lebanon High School standout, Nathan Ballenberger, John Willard from Christiansburg, Virginia, and Ely Burhts from Ft. Myers, Florida. In addition, there are three transfers that include Zane Rollins and Tim Wilson, both from USC-Lancaster Junior College and Tyson Lynn who is transferring from University of Mobile.
"I am extremely pleased with the prospects of the upcoming season. We have a very challenging schedule that begins on September 5-7 at the Kiawah Island Invitational in South Carolina that features an extremely strong field of 21 teams from several different divisions. We are going to find out early where we stand. " - Coach Collier
Coach Collier continued, "In terms of our team, it is without doubt the most talented team I have had in my three years as the golf coach. When we leave for tournaments, we will be leaving behind young men that would have started for me in the past two years without question. This is a very good place to be with our program and it will allow us to be better prepared. I am pleased to have Justin Brown and Stephen Adeimy return as my captains this year. Each of them had very good seasons last year with Justin being named All-ACC and Stephen just missing out on the recognition. I expect both to be very motivated when they return this month. Bryant Braithwaite has just completed his first year of playing golf only and has had a very good summer. He played in all tournaments as a freshman last year and I expect him to contribute even more this year. Also returning is Ryan Harrington who is a very competitive young man that will push the other returners."
"Regarding the new additions, it is a very good blend of freshmen and transfers. The three freshmen that will be eligible for us this year are three very good golfers and impressive young men. Nathan Ballenberger has played in a considerable amount of tournaments this summer and has performed very well. Ely Burhts is an extremely hard worker that strives for perfection in everything that he attempts. In addition to being a very good golfer he will be a pre-med major this fall. The biggest surprise may be John Willard. He quietly enjoyed a good high school career and I feel has just realized his passion and ability for the game of golf. I expect these three freshmen to have a large impact on our program over the next four years. Our transfers include Zane Rollins and Tim Wilson, both from USC-Lancaster Junior College, which is one of the top programs in the Southeast. Both of these young men were key players for them last year and will be great additions to our team. They are both very talented and competitive young men. The other transfer is Tyson Lynn, who was a two year All-American at Louisburg Junior College and received several NCAA I offers. Tyson is a great addition for us and will bring leadership and a tremendous golf game to our team. He is very motivated to be part of the VI family."
Coach Collier, added, "Golf is a funny game and we play in a very tough conference, so you never know how things will go heading into a season, but I expect this team to be a contender all year and to make a run at the conference title. These young men have worked very hard for this season and will continue to work hard as we begin the season. This is a great bunch of young men. It is going to be fun."
