William Daniel Wilson

Abbey Golf Team Loses Popular

and Talented Teammate 

     BELMONT, N.C. (Sept. 12, 2005) – The Belmont Abbey men's golf team suffered a tragic loss Sept. 9 as sophomore Will Wilson, a second-year starter, was killed in an early-morning automobile accident.

     A graduate of Myers Park High School in Charlotte, N.C., Will had just qualified as the Abbey’s top player for the Kiawah Island Collegiate Invitational by shooting a two-round total of 69-67--136. He was the team's Newcomer of the Year last season and expected to be among the top players this year. Will was also gifted academically, with one of the highest grade point averages on the team.

    “Will was a beacon of light,” said Crusaders coach Doug Ehmann. “This is a huge loss for our team and the entire Belmont Abbey community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

     The team cancelled its plans to attend the Kiawah Island tournament. A visitation was held Sept. 11 in Charlotte, and Will's funeral took place Sept. 12 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Charlotte. Members of the Belmont Abbey golf team served as pallbearers.

    In lieu of flowers, the Wilson Family has asked that donations be made to First Tee of Charlotte, an organization devoted to impacting young people through the game of golf and its positive values.

    Donations may be made online at www.thefirstteecharlotte.org.