Hull signs to play golf for Central

COLUMBUS - Derek Hull made a little history Friday afternoon.

The Schuyler senior became the first golfer to sign a letter of intent to play golf for Central Community College.

Next season will mark the first year since 1981 that the Raiders have had a golf program.

Other college choices for Hull included Nebraska Wesleyan, Midland Lutheran and Doane College. When it came to decision time, he said he thought Central was the place for him.

“It's nice to be staying someplace close to home,” Hull said. “I'm really excited to play golf because it has always been a passion of mine. It's my favorite sport, and it's something I want to pursue. And when this opportunity came, I took full advantage of it, and I was really excited to do it.”

Radier coach Bode Hill said he is excited about getting the 6 foot, 6 standout.

“It's a relief to get the first guy,” Hill said. “Derek is a great golfer and has proven that over the years. A big guy like him can hit the ball a mile long and has a nice short game. So he'll be a tremendous help.”

Hull said Hill was another one of the reasons he decided to go to Central.

“I really like him because he is a down-to-earth guy,” Hull said. “I have a feeling I'm going to enjoy my next year with him. I could tell he really wanted to come (to Central) and he made a valiant effort in getting me. I really appreciated that.”

His senior year at Schuyler hasn't been a fun one for him because he was getting back from a knee injury he suffered in basketball. He has only participated in three meets with his first coming at the Lakeview Invite April 26, but withdrew after the first nine holes because of the injury.

But he bounced back strong to win the Wayne Invite in a playoff over West Point's Richard Schneider with a 75 May 3. He medaled Wednesday in a three-way tie for ninth with a 77 in Central 10 Conference golf meet in Holdrege.

Warrior coach Tom Hagewood said Hull has been a good player to coach during his career and will do a good job at Central.

“Depending on how Derek does on Monday at districts, he will become the first person from the school to ever qualify to state meet all four years,” Hagewood said. “But once he steps foot on Central to play golf next season, I think Bode will do a good job in getting him to bring out the true ability he has in his game of golf.”

Hull said he thinks he is close to full strength.

“I started a little rusty, but I have been improving over the last few weeks,” Hull said. “It feels good, and I think I'm about 95 percent right now.”