RINER, Va. – The gold rush continues for Auburn Eagles golf.
Auburn captured its third consecutive Virginia High School League Class 1 state championship, extending one of the program’s most successful runs. The Eagles also celebrated their third straight individual Class 1 state champion, as sophomore Liam Smith claimed the top spot.
“It meant a lot, especially because the last two years we had already had two straight individual champions, so it felt kind of good to get three in a row along with our three state titles,” Smith said.
The Eagles’ confidence has been a defining characteristic throughout their championship run, with a roster full of golfers capable of competing for individual honors.
“We have six guys that can win it all times, every tournament,” one team member said.
For junior Cannon Elswick, the expectations remain high as Auburn looks to extend its championship streak.
“We got the best team in the state, and we’re going to win next year, so I mean, that’s what it is,” Elswick said.
But this season’s success carried a deeper meaning for the Eagles, who were grieving the sudden death of longtime head coach Jeff Gandee, who died in early September.
With the state competition approaching shortly after Gandee’s passing, the team leaned on one another and focused on honoring the coach who had helped shape the program.
“Really hard for the team, but I mean, the best we could was just keep our heads up and have the thought of going in and winning state,” senior Gavin Fillingham said.
Carter White, who served as an assistant under Gandee for the past two years, said the loss extended beyond the golf course. Gandee had been a mentor to him, too.
“Just like Jeff was a coach for these guys, Jeff was also a coach for me just in day-to-day life being his assistant or whatever,” White said. “So, I mean, we all kind of, we look to the Lord to kind of guide us through this tough time.”
The circumstances gave the championship pursuit a greater purpose. The Eagles continued to embrace their loose, spirited team culture while keeping their late coach at the center of their mission.
“We sort of had a lot of fun, but I think it made us, like, this is bigger than us, you know. We got one mission, that’s win,” Elswick said.
Junior Cody Fleet said the support surrounding the team helped the Eagles navigate a difficult stretch and remain focused on the championship.
“We did it for Jeff, so I mean, just talking to everybody, with all the support we had around us, it was pretty easy just trying to get the state championship,” Fleet said.
Gandee’s influence remains part of the team’s everyday routine. Elswick said players honor their former coach during practice by aiming at a particular target on the driving range.
“Every time we go to the range, you got to hit one at the red sign just for him,” Elswick said.
For Fillingham, the program’s identity is about more than the school name on the players’ shirts. It is also about maintaining the mindset Gandee helped instill.
“The A on our chest is not only for Auburn, but it’s also for attitude,” Fillingham said. “That stuck with us most of the season. You can’t have a bad attitude and go in wanting to win.”
With three consecutive state championships and another individual title, Auburn has established itself as a Class 1 golf powerhouse. The Eagles now look to keep the streak alive while carrying Gandee’s lessons and legacy with them.
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