By Anna Brown, Union County News
USC Union Golf Coach Gill Moss said he met Union County High golfer Landon Sumner last year during the Upstate Tournament at Village Green.
“Landon came up after he finished his round and piddled around a couple of holes with me,” Moss said. “We didn’t even talk about golf; we just started talking to one another, getting to know one another a little bit more. I had seen him on the course but we had never had the chance to informally talk. The more we talked the more I knew that I wanted this young man on our team. He has what it takes game-wise. He is a fine young man and I am very proud he is coming on to USC Union.”
Sumner signed with the Bantams during National Signing Day on Feb. 7.
Moss said he is glad to have local players on the team.
“It thrills my soul to be signing local kids here that you folks know and you can watch progress,” he said. “He will be with me two years and then I am going to send him somewhere else. I tell everybody that signs, I will do any and everything after the two years to get them where they want to go, helping them. I am their coach, but I am going to do everything I can using the resources we have at USC Union to get them with the right people to further their education. The education part is more important than anything.”
This is the second year USC Union has had a golf team. Some Union County residents- Tanner Belue and William Childers-are members of the team, but Sumner is the first signee as a freshman.
“It is a real pleasure to have Landon come onto our team next year and being local,” Moss said. “It is really local for me. My bride of 44 years (the former Paula Allen) is a Union High graduate.”
Patrick Russell, who is the new coach of the Union High Golf Team, said he is proud of Sumner.
“I got to watch you play last year and I can’t wait to watch you play this year,” he said. “I look forward to seeing what you do in college and looking forward to seeing what you do this year for us.”
Mitchell Moss, who coached the team last year, said Sumner helped re-establish the golf program at Union County High School. He said he admired Sumner’s tenacity. During one match Sumner was sick, but played on.
“Somehow you finished,” Moss said. “To show that commitment, to show that pride, to show that resiliency in facing adversity. “You (USC Union Coach Gil Moss) are getting a good one. I am looking forward to watching him.”
“I am proud of you, buddy, God’s got great things in store for you,” Mitchell told Sumner.
Sumner said he loves sports and he is thankful to get to play on the next level. He plans to major in Sports Management.
Featured Image: (left to right) USC Union Golf Coach Gil Moss, Landon’s parents Tommy and Donya Sumner, Landon Sumner, his sister Izzy, and Cameron Coone, Bass Fishing Coach and Director of the USC Union Laurens Location
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