DATE: Friday, October 10, 1997              TAG: 9710090237

SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON   PAGE: 17   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   59 lines

COX CAPTURES NINTH TITLE IN A ROW AT DISTRICT TOURNEY

There was no stopping the Cox golf team in the Beach District tournament this week.

Even though Kellam had halted the Falcons run of regular season dominance by taking the championship with a 9-0 record after handing Cox its first season loss in 28 matches, Cox captured its ninth tournament title in a row.

Kellam was second - runner-up to the most successful high school golf program in the area, and unbeaten in a pretty strong district.

For the Knights, this has been a dream season - winning its first Beach title and heading into next week's Eastern Region tournament as one of the strongest contenders in the field.

``This is a good bunch of gentlemen,'' said coach Steve Schmitter, adding that it's actually a bunch of gentlemen and a lady. ``And it's amazing how well they play at this age.

``It's amazing how well all these kids play.''

Adam Nielson led the Knights' charge during the season and was in a tight battle for individual honors with just nine holes remaining.

Nielson made the turn Tuesday at Red Wing tied with Salem's Kevin Miller at two under par for the tournament.

But Miller had birdied the last two holes on the front nine to gain the tie and considerable momentum.

His surge carried over to the back half with some fine putting that got him three birdies and six pars, a three shot lead over Nielson and the tournament championship.

But Nielson had played outstanding golf, not bogeying a single hole in the entire round and finishing the tournament at two under par.

``I don't think it skidded away from me or anything,'' Nielson said. ``I was playing pretty well. I had putts lipping out and skirting by the edge. He was just making putts and beat me.

``I don't mind losing to (Miller). He's probably the best golfer in the state and I've got another shot next week.

``And this was the best foursome I've ever played in. We had a lot of fun out there.''

Nielson and Miller were teamed with Ryan Roebuck of Cox and John Bond of Princess Anne. Bond, only a sophomore, showed excellent putting skills on the back nine and proved he is one of the future dominators in the Beach.

Roebuck finished tied for third with teammate Ryan Garland and lost the spot in a playoff. Bond won a playoff for sixth place and advances to the region next Tuesday and Wednesday at Box Creek and Lake Wright.

Throughout the round, the four joked and laughed, while helping each other with shots. It was obvious they were enjoying the company.

At regionals, Kellam will have the tough task of trying to dethrone a Cox team that has won six titles in a row. Nielson will try to take away Miller's region title.

But no matter what happens, the Knights squad of Nielson, Josh Fentress, Kevin McCarthy, Tate Wilkerson, Jason Clark, Matt Icenbice, Paul Cortez, Tom Ford, Jimmy King and April Bunn, is living a dream season that will probably see them competing in this year's Group AAA event in two weeks.

After winning the regular season title in one of the toughest districts in the state, it's all icing on the cake for the Knights. KEYWORDS: BEACH DISTRICT GOLF

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