It may have been fate that while looking for a way to involve the Surry Community College golf team in a community event for the year, Mr. Gary York called from WIFM to see if the team could participate in a fundraiser for the Elkin Rescue Squad. Since the golf team always looks for an avenue each year to give back to their supporters and the community, they accepted the invitation.

While three members of the Surry golfers were available to play, the team lacked a fourth due to class conflicts with several student-athletes. The team then extended an invitation to Dr. Deborah Friedman, Surry Community College President to participate with them. Her enthusiasm was contagious and her generosity was noticeable, as she did not hesitate to write out her check for the entry fee and mark her calendar for an annual leave day.

On Thursday, October 8, Dr. Friedman, Ernest Cowles, Courtney Hawks, and Austin Pendry teed off at Cedarbrook Country Club for a good cause and a good time. Competing against sixty-four teams, the Surry crew may not have finished in first place, but they certainly made a respectable showing.

The winners of the event shot a 57, or 15 under par, while the Surry team shot a 59, or 13 under par--just two strokes away from winning! One can't help but wonder if President Friedman is just that good, or if she just happened to be in the right place at the right time!

“Our golf team under the direction of Coach Tom Pendergraft has an excellent record of assisting our community with service projects,” stated Surry athletic director Mark Tucker. “Coach Pendergraft is outstanding with involving our student-athletes in the community.”

During the month of September, the Surry golf team assisted the Special Olympics golfers in an event held at Pine Ridge Classic Golf Course.

“We have had two outstanding community service projects this fall,” commented Surry coach Tom Pendergraft. “We would like to thank Dr. Friedman for taking her personal time to spend with our student-athletes. Our players are still talking about the event and the positive impression Dr. Friedman made on them.”

The Knights will conclude their fall season on October 27 at Johnston Community College.

Members from the Surry golf team along with Dr. Deborah Friedman, College President, enjoyed an exciting round in golf while assisting the Elkin Rescue Squad.
L-R: Ernest Cowles, Courtney Hawks, Dr. Deborah Friedman, Austin Pendry.