Three Country Day seniors have made their plans for college sports official and were recognized at small ceremonies with their teammates, coaches, and families this fall. Timmy Gannon (Men’s Golf, Elon University) and Huck Wathan (Baseball, UNC-Charlotte) inked their commitments during on the NCAA’s first early signing date in November; Sam Hedrick (Football, University of Richmond) signed his National Letter of Intent in December.
Gannon has been a member of the Varsity Boys’ Golf team since the 9th grade. In his first year he played in the team’s top six rotation all year, was a medalist in three out of the team’s nine matches, and was an individual qualifier for the NCISAA state tournament. As a sophomore, he served as a team co-captain and helped lead the Bucs to a 3rd-place finish at the state level—the team’s best state placing since 2011. He finished tied for 12th at the tournament, one shot away from an All-State recognition. In his COVID-shortened junior season, he posted an impressive 37.5 nine-hole average.
“He’s a conscientious student who has worked hard to improve himself in the classroom as well as on the golf course. Each season, he’s improved at the level of golf he’s produced. I think he’s learned over the past few years how to practice his craft with a purpose. He doesn’t just go out and hit balls. There’s always something he’s trying to work on.”
Boys’ Golf Program Head, Bob Plyler
Wathan joined the Country Day community as a sophomore after spending his 9th grade year at Providence High School and immediately became a fixture behind the plate for the Bucs. In his sophomore season, he either led the team or was among the team’s leaders in a number of statistical categories and earned a 2nd-Team All-Conference nod. While his junior season was cut short, it’s worth noting that he was a perfect 5-for-5 keeping runners off second from behind the plate. His coaches describe him as having gap-to-gap power and natural feel for the strike zone, as a loyal teammate, and as a leader by example.
“Huck is a talented athlete. He plays the game with a focused intensity and he loves to compete. What you see on the field is a guy who makes the game look easy, but we know it is not. That ease and confidence comes from the countless hours spent practicing, playing, watching, and listening. He is a student of the game, raised in a family of great teachers of the game."
Baseball Program Head, Mike Hennessey
Hedrick is a three-year letter-winner who played on both sides of the ball for the Bucs and emerged over the years as a standout at the defensive end position in particular. In 2018, his increased assertiveness on the field helped the Bucs to an NCISAA Division II state championship. As a junior, he was recognized on both the All-Conference and All-State teams as Country Day made a run back to the NCISAA Division I playoffs. This past fall, he served as a team captain and was recognized as an All-Conference and All-State performer. For his varsity career, he registered 87 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks.
"We got to your senior season, and you took your dedication to another level. You rose above the difficulty and continued to get better. You have grown in your confidence as an athlete, as a competitor, and most importantly as a leader. We are all excited for you to represent Country Day Football at the next level.”
Football Program Head, Drew Witman
Director of Athletics Abe Wehmiller said, “Timmy, Huck, and Sam have all worked hard for this moment, and we’re thankful we got to celebrate with them. We are proud of everything they’ve accomplished to this point, and look forward to seeing what they’re able to accomplish at Elon, Charlotte, and Richmond. We'll also enjoy watching them finish out their time with us.”
These three seniors follow 19 members of the Class of 2020 who continued to their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Over the past five years, an average of 16 graduating seniors have gone on to play a collegiate sport.