Franklin tabbed as new Averett golf coach

DANVILLE — John Franklin was announced as the new men’s golf coach at Averett University on Thursday, hiring the coach away from Dan River High School.

“I am delighted that John has agreed to lead our golf program,” Averett Director of Athletics Sam Ferguson said in a news release. “He is a proven teacher, one of the top players in the area, and is well connected within the state golf scene. I’m confident that he will develop our student-athletes’ skills on the golf course and beyond.”

Franklin had coached the Dan River Wildcats for the last six seasons, and he has also been the assistant club pro at Tuscarora Country Club as well as serving as the director of the Danville Junior Golf Tour. Franklin replaces Jim Gourlay, who resigned in April.

“I am excited about this opportunity to coach Averett’s golf team,” Franklin said in the release. “This University is an important asset in our community and I look forward to having a role in the development of some very talented student-athletes.”