Preston Riner Jr. '12 Recruiting Profile

 Hello!

I live in Johns Creek, GA and will graduate from Johns Creek High School May 2012. My friends call me “PJ”. I have played High School Varsity sports lettering in Golf, Cross Country and Swimming. I love sports but golf is my passion and I have been playing the game since I was 7. I transitioned to year round golf and was a starter on the Varsity High School team in my sophomore year at Wesleyan High School and in my junior year at Johns Creek High School.

I am working hard on my game and have really shaved strokes this past Spring & Summer.  Here’s my recent golf play: This summer I won the 2011 SJGT Tour Championship 54 holes by 5 strokes at -2 Par 72  (74-70-70); I also posted my lowest golf round of 66, and my lowest tournament round of 69. I have played very competitive tournaments in AJGA, GA Jr. Am. Championships, and SJGT. Besides my Championship Win,  in 2011 I placed in the ‘top 20’ eleven times and ‘top 10’ four times. I ended my junior year making the All Region Team shooting 74 to tie for 4th out of field of 60, and then placed 8th out of 106 for the AAAA GHSA State tournament shooting par 72 receiving All State Honorable Mention.  (My sophomore year I made the A GHSA All Region Team placing 6^th ) I finished my 2011 high school season with an average 18 hole score of 74 and feel I have taken my game to a new level this summer.  My handicap as of Sept 1 is +2.1

My cumulative GPA is 3.2 and I have raised my annual GPA consistently every grade, achieving my highest weighted GPA of 3.6 (91.33) my junior year with advanced classes (AP Physics, Honors Pre-Cal, Honors Lit). This senior year I have even stronger rigor (AP Statistics, AP Environmental Science & Honors) and have been approved to participate in the high school athletic program where I take some classes online allowing year round afternoon golfplay.   That’s a lot more practice before college.

I went to a private Christian school K-10 (known for academics and sports) and switched to a larger public school (4A) my junior year. I adjusted to the new school quickly and feel that I would be comfortable at either a private or public university regardless of size. My geographic preference is SE however my desire to play early or on a challenging team that will grow my skills trumps location and I am willing to consider most colleges nationwide. I am seeking to contribute to a college that will challenge me both in the classroom and on the course.

I'm leaning toward a business major however I am also looking at liberal arts colleges because I hear that they well prepare you in all aspects of life. In addition to golf and academics, the spirit of the school/professors and availability of community service options are important to me. I have really enjoyed being a Youth Leader at my church for three years mentoring 4th and 5th grade boys and intend to continue giving-back in some way throughout college.

I am honored to receive this great testimonial from my freshman/sophomore Varsity Golf Coach:
“PJ Riner has been an asset to the Wesleyan golf team from the very moment he joined. The only way he ever demands attention is by shooting a great score. PJ is soft-spoken, humble, hard-working, and deeply conscientious. When I found out he was leaving Wesleyan, I was genuinely distraught because I hoped to build the future of our team around this young man. He is rock solid, not only as a golfer, but as a person. He will be a great addition to any golf program he joins.” Tim Blue - Varsity Boys Golf Coach, Wesleyan School.

Thank you kindly for your consideration.

Preston W. Riner Jr.
“PJ”