HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Toby Corriston is a star golfer at Harrisonburg High School who is leaving his legacy in the Friendly City.
Corriston has been surrounded by the golf course for his entire life but started playing seriously during the pandemic. He did not even join the Harrisonburg golf team until his sophomore year. Since then, he has been the team’s top golfer, qualifying for regionals three times. Corriston even qualified for the 2021 State Championship.
“He was a natural from the beginning. He always had a great golf swing but he’s taken it upon himself to take lessons. He works here as well, for more opportunities to learn,” said Harrisonburg golf coach Chris Sorber.
Corriston said he fell in love with the game and the competitiveness of the sport.
“It’s a personal sport, you’re on your own on the course. I’ve enjoyed being able to compete against myself every day… that has been the biggest challenge of it all,” he said.
Corriston works with First Tee Shenandoah Valley which helps teach golf and life skills to children around the area.
“I really enjoy giving back to because I’ve gotten so many opportunities from First Tee, one of those being the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach,” he said.
Corriston said he enjoys watching the next generation of golfers develop at First Tee.
“After just a couple of classes, you see them make big improvements with little adjustments,” Corriston explained. “It’s fun to be sharing my experience with them.”
Corriston also plays baseball and performs musicals with the Blue Streaks. Last winter he played the lead role in Harrisonburg High School’s production of Chicago.
“Both my parents are dance teachers so I’ve grown up around the theatre world. It’s a really fun experience to work with all of the amazing people who are part of the musical,” he said.
As a student, Corriston attends the Massanutten Regional Governor’s School and boasts a 4.32 GPA.
“My job would be a whole lot easier if I had a whole classroom full of Toby’s,” said Jay Hook, a government teacher at Harrisonburg. “He’s thorough, he’s thoughtful, and he always sees his school work all the way through.”
For Corriston, getting good grades has always been important, especially as he looks to play college golf next year.
“If I want to be a student-athlete in the future, it’s important for me to keep my grades up so I can show coaches I can balance school and sports. I know it’s going to be an important skill for my future,” he said.
Corriston also works on the student newspaper at HHS. He hopes to study sports communication in college and pursue a career in sports broadcasting or sports marketing.
Sorber said that Corriston represents the epitome of a student-athlete at Harrisonburg High.
“People often come up to me and say how much they appreciate Toby and the example he is setting for our team.”
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