Security Federal Athlete of the week: Aug. 1-7

Partnering with Security Federal, the Warren County Sports Authority will honor a standout local athlete each week. The WCSA and the Friendliest Bank in Town love seeing great athletic achievement and there are plenty to pick from every week in Warren County. From winter to summer, spring to fall, and on courts, fields, diamonds, dance floors and anywhere else an athlete can succeed, Security Federal and the Sports Authority are going to be on the lookout for the best of the best!

Sawyer Seymour has found his swing and the Pioneer golf team is reaping the benefits. The junior has made the leap this season, taking over the top spot for the Warren County High School boys golf team and impressing with every round.

Last week, Seymour went to another level, leading the Pioneers to their first win at home against Stone Memorial and helping the team pick up another district win against DeKalb County a day later.

Seymour shot 78 at McMinnville Country Club Monday in a seven-stroke win for the Pioneers over the Panthers. On Tuesday, Seymour was even better, scoring his first-ever, under-par round in a nine-hole match in Sparta. Seymour shot a 1-under, 34, including chipping in three different times.

Seymour's play around the green is why the junior feels like he's coming on as a team leader on the scorecards.

"My short game (is helping). That's all that really matters," said Seymour about why his scores are going lower and lower.

Seymour also credits playing competitively with his teammate Chase Newby for his surge. The duo are good friends who challenge each other in practice, then take aim at their opponents on game day.

It's all part of being a team leader for Seymour.

"Chase and I always keep each other in line and make sure we're keeping a good attitude," said Seymour. "High School golf is kind of looked at as an individual game - people on my team are trying to beat their teammates. When we're at a match, I tell everybody to go out there and beat the guy they are playing against. (You have to) Just go out and compete and don't get down on yourself after a bad hole."

Seymour and the Pioneers will be taking part in tournament play this Monday, Aug. 9. The Pioneers are scheduled to tee off in the Early Bird Invitational in Cookeville at 9 a.m.

Coach JW Holt's comments on Seymour's recent play:

"I have been very impressed with his play in the last three matches. This has been his best golf of his high school career. Sawyer has been able to put together three consistent rounds. He has been good off of the tee and his short game has helped him to score well. He also has the confidence that it takes to be consistent from match to match."