Wayne Christian captures state title

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on May 16, 2007 1:48 PM

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PINEHURST -- Conference archrival Durham Cresset Christian put pressure on first-day leader Wayne Christian during final-round play Tuesday afternoon, but couldn't keep the momentum.

The Eagles compiled a stellar back-nine score and emerged the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Class 1-A state champions for the second time in the last three years. Led by first-team all-state performers Matt Davis and Clark Rose, Wayne Christian pulled away to a 22-stroke victory -- 608-630 over Cresset and Northeast Academy.

"I'm just so proud of this team and the way they played their last nine holes was something special," said Wayne Christian head coach Clarence Rose.

Kerr-Vance Academy fired a four-player total of 633, followed by Cape Fear Christian (649), Hobgood Academy (687), Community Christian (692) and Terra Ceia (695).

Davis ended up third in individual play with a two-day total of 1-under par 143. Cape Fear's Bill Herring seized medalist honors with a 36-hole score of 3-under 141.

Davis and Herring shared the lead with three holes left to play. Herring vaulted ahead when he eagled the par-4, No. 16 layout.

"That was just a great shot Bill made from the fairway," said Davis. "It took a little out of me when he did that, but I still had a chance to win. I couldn't make any putts all day."

However, Davis posted the best state finish by any Wayne Christian player in program history. Rose ended up ninth overall for the Eagles, who started the season ranked No. 1 in the statewide poll and finished that way.

"Those two guys (Matt and Clark) had a great year," said coach Rose. "With Clark the only senior on the team, this team has a chance to win another state title next year."