PINE BLUFF, Ark. - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff golf team recently signed two high school athletes out of Arkansas. Grayson Martin of White Hall High School and Ryan Robinson of Lonoke High School will join Gold Lion nation in the fall of 2018. Both student-athletes have been around the game of golf for as long as they can remember.

"I've played golf my whole life and I always wanted to play in college," said Martin. "I'm from White Hall so I've known Coach Totten for a couple of years because I've been playing 2-man scrambles out of Jaycees, and we ran into each other several times."

As for Robinson, his story goes back to before he can remember.

"When I was one and a half years old, one of my mom's workers from the restaurant we own bought me a plastic kid's set of golf clubs from Wal-Mart and it all began from there," said Robinson.

The student-athletes are not just focused on the chance to play collegiate golf, but they are also focused on their studies.

"I plan to major in physical education and I hope to one day become a collegiate golf coach," said Martin.

"I plan on studying aqua culture and fisheries at UAPB," said Robinson.

Both future Golden Lions are thrilled to further their career in Arkansas while playing Division 1 golf.

"I played all four years on my high school team at Lonoke and I want to play golf in college," said Robinson. "I am going to go to Arkansas-Pine Bluff and represent UAPB on the college golf team. I wanted to play for a Division 1 school so signing on to UAPB was perfect for me. I like the fact that I'm staying in Arkansas because it is relatively close to home."

"It feels good being a local kid and getting a chance to play Division 1 golf, and the fact that we get to play against big name players and big name schools is great," said Martin. "Staying local is important for me so UAPB gave me this chance and I am happy."

When asked about who helped them get to this point in their careers, both high school students gave credit where credit is due.

"A special thanks goes out to my high school coach, Coach Stewart, because he has been my coach for all four years of my high school career," said Martin. "Also thanks to my parents for always being there for me and always traveling to my tournaments. They supported me enough to help me obtain a golf scholarship so I can continue my golf career in college."

"I want to say thanks to my high school coach for helping me learn that even though you had one bad year in high school golf, it doesn't meant your goal to play college golf is canceled," said Robinson. "I also want to thank my parents for helping me stay in the game. After my slight slump in high school, they stuck with me and look what it led to; if it wasn't't for them I wouldn't have this opportunity."