Zach Polston Signs with Cumberland University
Zachery Polston has signed a scholarship to play golf at Cumberland University. He joins a growing list of athletes attending the Lebanon school.
Cumberland is a four year liberal arts school which was founded in 1843 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. At one time the Cumberland School of Law was said to have had more of its alumni elected to the US Congress than any other school in the South. The University is located in nearby Lebanon, TN and this will be the fourth year in which Macon County student-athletes have been offered an athletic scholarship from this fine school. Cordell Hull, Secretary of State under FDR, and Baltimore Oriole 1st Round Draft pick Chris Smith are notable alumni.
Cumberland competes in the Mid-South Conference in the Western Division. They play in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) which is made up of smaller colleges and universities across the United States.
Zach participated on the 2012 MCHS team that captured the first team state title in school history. Last season Polston helped the MCHS boys golf to a 3rd place finish in region competition. He was the 2012 District Player of the Year and finished as the 8th lowest male meadelist at the 2012 Boy’s Golf State tournament.
After being contacted by Lindsey Wilson and Belmont, Zach chose to play at Cumberland. “There were a lot of people that I knew that were going to Cumberland. I thought it would be a good fit and fun to play with people I knew.” Polston understands why he is there and mentioned that he also thought Cumberland was a good choice because they offer the field he wants to study. “I hope to get a degree in Secondary Education and possibly teach and coach.”
Zach credits his dad, Barry, as being his biggest influence. “Many times I came home in the evening and Zach would be out there chipping practice balls at 100 yard shots.” Barry commented that he is proudest of Zach and that he is glad all his hard work resulted in his scholarship offer.
Zach’s mother remembers the ride. “The biggest moment I can remember is the two day competition in 2012 when we won the state title.” Belinda also reflected how Zach and the rest of that team got there. “They were a great bunch of boys. Zach and his friends always found the time to practice hard, and it showed.” Belinda also credited the members of the local golf course and Rick and Beverly Shoulders as key ingredients in Zach’s golf prowess.
MCHS Golf Coach Beverly Shoulder said, “Zach has such a strong golf work ethic, I know he will be successful.” Coach Shoulders says she knows with his talent he will be able to contribute to the Cumberland golf team as a freshman. “He is such a smart player on the course; I wish him nothing but the best.”
Another one of our student athletes from Macon County is off to compete at the collegiate level. Congratulations to Zach Polston who will play, but more importantly, get a great education at Cumberland University in nearby Lebanon, TN.