Abdon’s shot comes clear

Local Sports

Discussion

November 11, 2009

Western Kentucky right fit for three-time region champ, Mr. Golf runner-up

By AARON SNYDER — The Independent The Daily Independent Wed Nov 11, 2009, 11:11 PM EST

LLOYD — Greenup County senior Dagan Abdon didn’t think twice about where he would play college golf.

That’s because Western Kentucky coach Brian Tirpak wouldn’t let him.

“He was the only one that was really trying to recruit me real hard,” Abdon said. “He said how much faith he had in me.

“I wanted to go somewhere that wanted me,” he added.

Abdon signed with Western Kentucky University on Wednesday at Greenup County High School in front of his parents, a small crowd of students, athletic director Chris Ailster and coach Roger Gillum.

According to Gillum, Coastal Carolina, Michigan State, Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky all showed interest, but Western Kentucky was the frontrunner throughout the recruiting process.

Abdon made an official visit to the campus, located in Bowling Green, in September and enjoyed the facilities and the area.

Abdon said that Bowling Green was the right fit for him because it’s not too large of a city, but there’s still quite a bit to do.

Dagan’s father, Todd, was supportive of his son’s decision and thought he would make the transition fluidly.

“He’s got some kind of knack about him to fit in,” Todd Abdon said. “Everybody kind of looks up to him wherever he goes.”

If his high school career serves as any indication, he certainly won’t have trouble fitting in on the golf course.

The senior began playing varsity golf as a sixth-grader and closed out his illustrious career with two All-State recognitions, three individual region titles and helped his team finish fifth in the state this past season.

Abdon finished second in the state in total points in 2009, behind only St. Xavier’s Justin Thomas, the state champion.

As a Hilltopper, Abdon will have opportunities to play the best golf courses throughout the country, including those in Hawaii, Texas, Arizona and Florida.

“That was a bonus right there,” Abdon said of the schedule.

The men’s golf team practices at Bowling Green Country Club, where Abdon recently finished ninth in the State Tournament. They also will practice at The Club at Olde Stone.

Abdon has had a chance to meet some of the players that will be his teammates. He will join, among others, Neil Horsley, who recently finished fourth in the Renaissance Invitational in Fort Myers, Fla., as a junior.

Abdon expects to get swinging immediately upon arrival next fall.

“I think I can work my way in there right off the bat,” he said.

AARON SNYDER can be reached at asnyder@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.

Text Only

Local Sports

Full speed ahead for Fleming
Half-sacks are recognized as official statistics in football. How about a half-dunk in basketball?

February 11, 2012
Ashland rolls over Johnson Central
Ashland makes chaos look good — real good.

February 11, 2012
Vikings turn back inspired Lions
State runner-up Rowan County is getting everybody’s best shot around the 16th Region this season.

February 11, 2012
Fairview holds off East Carter, 55-48
For Fairview coach Derek Cooksey, the student finally defeated the teacher.

February 11, 2012
Pairings set for 62nd District
The girls and boys 62nd District Tournament pairings are set for the week of Feb. 20. All games are to be played at Elliott County High School.

February 11, 2012
Boyd tightens up, downs Lady Devils
Boyd County girls basketball coach Pete Fraley felt inclined to call for a maintenance check when Russell climbed to within six points of his Lady Lions in the third quarter.

February 11, 2012
Tomcat wrestlers head to regionals with momentum
When the high school wrestling season opened, Ashland coach Tony Love didn’t know what to expect.

February 10, 2012
Fourth-quarter getaway
Cody Stamper swiped the ball away, tipping it to a teammate who had a clear view of the landscape.

February 10, 2012
AARON SNYDER: ‘Untouchables’ can be touched
On Tuesday night, I was just another awestruck observer of the show, just another dumbstruck face in the crowd.

February 9, 2012
Ashland’s Whetsel signs to play at KCU
Turns out, Kentucky Christian University has what Ryan Whetsel wanted all along.
Namely, a football program not far away that provides an opportunity to earn playing time right away. And just as importantly, a nursing program to help him reach career goals.

February 9, 2012
More Local Sports Headlines

Local Sports

Search Results

Discussion

Abdon’s shot comes clear

Western Kentucky right fit for three-time region champ, Mr. Golf runner-up

Site Map

Contact Us