VCU GOLF SIGNS TOP-RANKED JUNIOR GOLFER IN VIRGINIA
1-12-06

RICHMOND, Va – The Virginia Commonwealth University golf team picked up its first signee of 2006 when Lanto Griffin of Blacksburg, Va., announced his intent to tee it up for the Rams next fall. Griffin, a product of Blacksburg High School, took over the state’s top junior ranking after an impressive seventh-place finish at the Doral/Publix Junior Classic in Miami, this past December.

Griffin’s honors include being named the 2005 Roanoke Valley Hall of Fame Men’s Player of the Year and the River Ridge District Player of the Year after posting a 68.53 scoring average for 2005. The high school phenom has claimed tournament victories at the Circular World of Golf, the Southwest Virginia Am, the River Ridge District Tournament, and is also the second youngest golfer to ever win the Roanoke Valley Men’s Match Play Championship.

“Lanto is a long hitter who has the unique ability to really take it deep,” said VCU head coach Matt Ball.  “He once had 8 birdies in a 9 hole high school match.  He has a lot of guts and has proven himself a great competitor in worldwide events.”

The Rams begin their spring season March 2-4 at the Orange County National Xavier Intercollegiate in Winter Garden, Fl.