Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Nagy's Final Stand



Spring with the 49ers brings an array of opportunities. The 49ers track team has enjoyed an embarrassment of riches since joining the A-10 and any chance to watch the fastest man on campus, Darius Law, is worth taking. Baseball continues to be a contender on the conference and national scene -- and a day at Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium is a day well spent.

This weekend, softball hurler Emily Jeffery is likely to become the school's all-time strikeout king -- surpassing Kristen Bowen's four-year school record in just three years time. It doesn't seem that long ago that we lauded Wendy Stratton for becoming the school's first to strikeout 400 batters (OK, that happened in 1990, so it was that long ago!). Jeffery, who struck out 11 in a five-inning no-hitter in her last outing, will become the first 49er to strike out 600!

But for now, my attention is on the golf team. They host the Irish Creek Collegiate, Saturday and Sunday, in Kannapolis, and it is our last chance to see senior Corey Nagy compete for the 49ers in the Charlotte area. The Vance H.S. product is a three-time all-America who owns the 49ers career record for lowest stroke average -- which is saying something considering the level of talent the 49ers have put forth.

Nagy owns two of the top five single-season scoring averages and in three A-10 Championships he has finished third, second and first. Strong. He was a freshman on that 2007 team that placed third at the national championships where he finished tied for 35th, individually. In 2008, his 16th-place finish led Charlotte to an 8th-place finish. Last year, the 49ers were eliminated in the NCAA Regionals, but Nagy advanced as an individual to the NCAA Championships, where he placed 36th. He has competed at the All-America Classic three times, winning long drive and putting contests among the very best college golfers in the country.

And in each season with the 49ers, he has earned all-America honors.

This year, in eight events, he has sported four top five finishes and seven top 20 finishes. He is nothing if not consistent.

No fan of golf will regret taking the time to follow Corey around for a few holes. Coaches often talk of special players, special talents. Those that stand out for a variety of unnamed reasons other than the fact that competition after competition they get the job done. For four years, Corey Nagy has been that type of player for the only program in school history that has posted back-to-back top 10 NCAA Championship finishes.

His time with the 49ers is winding down -- but I, for one, will eagerly enjoy some time on the links, watching one of the 49ers best all-time treasures.

Tom Whitestone
Associate A.D./Media Relations