BOILING SPRINGS – The Gardner-Webb University athletics department mourns the loss of former student-athlete and assistant golf coach Jason Fulbright, who lost his courageous battle with cancer on May 29, 2016.

Fulbright, 38, graduated from Gardner-Webb in 2000 and went on to earn an MBA in 2002. He played golf for the Runnin' Bulldogs from 1996-2000 under coaches Eddie McCurley and Brian Ashley and served as an assistant coach under current head coach Tee Burton from 2000-2002.

Fulbright is survived by his wife, Vanessa Brigman Fulbright, daughter Emma (10) and son John (8).

"Jason was my first assistant coach when I began at Gardner-Webb and he's been a great friend and supporter of our program throughout the years," said Burton. "Our prayers go out to Vanessa, Emma, John and the entire Fulbright family."

As a senior in 2000, Fulbright was the squad's top performer, pacing the GWU scorecard in several tournaments – highlighted by a second-place finish at the 2000 Richard Rendleman Invitation at Salisbury Country Club (March 6-7).

Fulbright, the lone senior on Gardner-Webb's 2000 roster, took 12th at the 2000 Food Lion South Atlantic Conference Tournament, which was also held at Salisbury Country Club. He paced the event with six birdies and was among the tournament leaders in Par 5 scoring.

As a junior, Fulbright helped the Runnin' Bulldogs to a third place finish at the 1999 Food Lion South Atlantic Conference Tournament.

During his career, The Taylorsville, N.C., native was noted by his coaches as a player with great course management skills and leadership qualities who was eager to help younger teammates.

As an assistant coach, Fulbright was part of a staff that helped Gardner-Webb to the 2001 National Christian Colleges Athletic Association (NCCAA) championship.

A receiving of friends will be held on Tuesday, May 31, at Bass Smith Funeral Home in Hickory, N.C., from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 1, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Hickory at 3:00 pm.