“This is the most focused team I have had during my coaching career,” said East Central Community College golf coach James Moore, who is in his fifth year leading the Warrior program.

Moore, golf professional at Forest Country Club, said the Warrior linksters “work hard every day and practice with a purpose.”

“These guys have set their goal high for the spring and it is a realistic one,” Moore commented. “We are one of the top four teams in the state and will challenge for the state title and the ultimate prize of competing for a national championship in May. I am very fortunate to have such quality guys on the team.” 

The 2010 squad, which Moore describes as “young but with lots of tournament experience,” includes one returnee from 2009, five other sophomores and four freshmen.

Griffin Burke of Philadelphia is the lone returnee. He is a product of Neshoba Central High School, where he received All-District and All-State honors.

Other sophomores are Jordan Smith of Union, Daniel Moody and Trent Travis, both of Leake Academy; Josh Morehead of Pearl and Matthew Bochan of Franklin (Tenn.) High School.

Smith was an All-District selection and won medalist honors at the West Lauderdale Invitational. He participated in the state championship from the eighth through twelfth grades.

Travis received All-State and Golfer of the Year honors. He helped lead Leake Academy to a state championship and three North State titles.

Bochan won the Vince Gill Junior Tour title and received Player of the Year recognition.

Freshmen are Cole Harris of Newton County High School, Luke Brown of Carthage, Crosby McDonald of Leake Academy and Neil Pettigrew, a product of Scott Central High School.

Brown made All-District and All-State, finishing third in state competition. He also won medalist honors in the Forest Invitational.

McDonald received Golfer of the Year honors and helped Leake Academy to a state championship and three North State titles.

The ECCC golf team began the 2010 campaign by finishing seventh in a Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College-hosted tournament held Feb. 8-9 at the Grand Bear Golf Club in Saucier.

East Central serves as host of the second MACJC event of the season Feb. 20-21 at Forest Country Club.