ELIZABETHTOWN — Cade Hancock, a rising sophomore at Harrells Christian Academy and an elite golfer for the Crusaders, saw his latest highlight come off the links.
The Elizabethtown Optimist Club recently decided to sponsor Hancock to participate in the Optimist Junior Golf Tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Palm Beach, Fla., at the PGA Resort & Spa. The tournament is expected to attract more than 6,000 youth golfers.
“Thank you for all of the support, to my parents for taking me everywhere, and to God for getting me here,” Hancock told the club members.
Hancock has built a solid resume over the past two years on the Coastal Junior Golf Tour, winning a number of tournaments and taking the title two season straight. This spring, the 15-year-old was the No. 1 golfer for the Crusaders, where he had a 76.3 stroke average.
“The Elizabethtown Optimist Club, as well as NC East look forward to the tournament and the great things this young golfer has in store,” said Ray Britt, president of the club. “We are excited to see him play in this tournament and represent the organization.”
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Student-athletes win
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The Optimist Club recently recognized two area student-athletes — seniors Abby Ward from East Bladen and Stefan McDonald of West Bladen — for recent accomplishments.
Ward and McDonald were each presented with the club’s Dr. Bruce Phillips Scholarship Award for the annual essay and oratorical contest, held annually.
“At the Elizabethtown Optimist Club, we are proud to give back to the community and to the youth of Bladen County,” Britt said. “We participate in annual fundraisers and give every penny back to support our young men and women.”
The next meeting of the Optimist Club will be held on Monday, June 13, at San Jose at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in the club is urged to attend.