MCC sophomore inks with Arkansas State University

JONESBORO - Arkansas State University head men's golf coach Steve Johnson announced Friday that Meridian Community College all-region standout, Cory Williamson, has signed to play with the Red Wolves next season.

Williamson will join the ASU team as a transfer from MCC, he was also a high school all-state selection at Simpson County Academy in Mississippi.

"We are very excited to Cory join our roster and look forward him stepping in and contributing to our golf program," said Johnson. "He will bring a tremendous amount of ability to our program both in the classroom and on the golf course."

Williamson recently led Meridian to the school’s best finish in the NJCAA District IV Tournament championship as the Eagles fired a final round six-under par to claim runner-up and advance to their second consecutive NJCAA Division I National Championship.

Williamson finished fourth individually at Districts as he posted two rounds under par, he was named to the NJCAA District IV All-Tournament Team and was awarded a GCAA/Ping's All-Region selection as a sophomore.

Over his two-year career at Meridian, Williamson collected 15 top-25 finishes that included medalist honors at the Hilton Garden Inn Invitational earlier this season.

He was an all-academic choice and a member of National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa while at MCC.

Williamson was a three-time state tournament runner-up while at Simpson County Academy and earned all-state recognition three years as well. He was also a four-time South-State champion and recognized as an all-conference selection in basketball three years.

"Cory will bring a strong amount of experience and leadership with him to ASU, and he is also a very powerful player and excellent ball striker," added Johnson.

Williamson is the twenty-first MCC golfer to sign with a college/university program since 1995.

“We are very excited for Cory, he has worked hard in the weight room, the classroom and on the golf course,” said MCC head coach Sean Covich.

“His goal in coming to MCC two years ago was to win at the college level and earn a NCAA DI scholarship. He has done those things and has shown MCC to be the pipeline for junior college golfers to get to the NCAA level.”

Fellow MCC sophomore golfers, Garrett Westbrook, Nick Hawkes and Tanner Sparks are also expected to sign at the next level later this month.

MCC will close out their 2010 season in Huntsville, AL May 18-21 in the NJCAA Division I National Championship.