The 1979 and 1980 golf teams put together a historic two-year stretch, capturing Episcopal’s first two IAC championships after the School joined the league in 1977. In only its third year as a varsity program, the 1979 team began the dominant run by finishing with an impressive 11-1 regular-season record. Made up of one senior, four juniors, and three sophomores, the deep squad won the conference title and dethroned Georgetown Prep, which had held the championship for nine consecutive years.
The team’s only regular-season blemish was a close 5-4 extra-holes loss to Bishop Ireton, but the Maroon quickly rebounded in their next match to trounce Georgetown Prep, 8-1. Robert King ’81 established himself as the individual leader, earning medalist honors in the IAC tournament with scores of 75 and 77. King and teammate Don Williams ’80 were both selected for the All-Conference Team. Because of their regular-season dominance, the Maroon earned a spot in the Metropolitan Private League playoffs, setting the stage for an even more dominant campaign the following year.
With seven of eight starters returning, the undefeated 1980 team built on that momentum to deliver the most successful season in School history, finishing with a perfect 16-0 record. Under the leadership of co-captains Don Williams ’80 and Chip Lyerly ’80, the Maroon secured a second consecutive IAC championship by a margin of 38 strokes. They went on to capture the Private School Championship and the Metropolitan School Boy Championship.
The 1980 squad was propelled by remarkable individual performances from juniors Richard Mack ’81 and Robert King ’81. King posted an outstanding 15-1 match record and claimed second place in the IAC tournament. Mack also finished with a 15-1 match record, captured medalist honors in the IAC tournament, and was selected as the Alexandria Golfer of the Year by the Sportsmans’ Club.
Coaching Staff
Tony L. Shaver, head coach
Members
Thomas Beverley Evans III ’81
Robert T. King III ’81
Walker Lyerly IV ’80
Richard Lewis Mack ’81
Frank Neal Montgomery ’81*
Bailey W. Patrick ’79
Marvin Byron Smith IV ’82*
Tod Joseph Weinberg ’80*
Donaldson Gray Williams ’80
*deceased
