New Polk County High School coaches C. Byon Morrisey, left, and Mark Emory

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Polk County High School has announced the hiring of two new head coaches, bolstering its athletic program with experienced leaders for the girls golf and wrestling teams.

1. Byon Morrisey, a former professional golfer with an extensive coaching background, will take the reins of the girls golf program. Mark Emory, a longtime assistant coach with a proven track record of success, has been named the new head wrestling coach.

Morrisey’s resume includes competing at Appalachian State University and playing on the Futures Tour for two seasons. Her coaching experience spans from serving as an assistant at UNC Chapel Hill to teaching and coaching in Rutherford County Schools for 12 years.

As a golf professional, Morrisey achieved Class A credentialing with the LPGA and worked as an instructor at institutions such as John Jacobs Golf School in Naples, Fla., and ParXlent Golf Academies in Hendersonville.

“I am no self-anointed expert, rather a purposed facilitator of others’ performance and play who respects the truth that the golf ball is the best teacher,” Morrisey said. “The Wolverines will know how their golf interest, curiosity, ball training, habits, discipline, mental clarity, and toughness merge into an ideal opportunity to meet the moment.”

Morrisey’s academic credentials include a master’s degree in physical education from UNC-Chapel Hill and additional coursework in pedagogy from the University of Georgia.

Emory brings a wealth of coaching experience to his new role as head wrestling coach. His career includes stints at various levels, including Polk County Middle, Chase Middle, Chase High School and Polk County High School.

As an assistant coach at Chase, Emory helped guide multiple individual state and regional champions. He was also part of the coaching staff that led the team to a 2A West Regional championship.

Most recently, as an assistant coach at Polk County, Emory has been instrumental in developing top-tier talent. His achievements include helping coach Preston Burnett to a 132-pound state runner-up finish, Efrain Rivera to a 120-pound state runner-up finish, Amon Villareal to a 126-pound state fourth-place finish, and Styler Blackwell to a 157-pound state fourth-place finish.

Emory’s experience also includes years of working with Norman Osteen of the Strong and Courageous Wrestling Club.